Mary Lee Wagenbrenner Hanson, 83, passed away Friday, December 29, 2017 after a brief illness from pancreatic cancer. She was born July 12, 1934, the 2nd child of Leo and Marguerite (Weis) Wagenbrenner. Mary Lee graduated from St. Mary of the Springs Academy in 1952 and the college in 1956. She taught Home Economics at Rosary High School and in 1957 she met her first love, Martin Ostendorf. They were married in July, 1958 and Marty died four months later from leukemia. Mary Lee moved to Redondo Beach, California where she taught for a few years but after losing her two roommates, one in a plane crash and one to cancer, she returned to Ohio and found her vocation by entering the convent of the Glenmary Mission Sisters in Wilmington, OH.  She became a nun and earned a Master's degree in Montessori from Xavier University. When the order disbanded in the late 60's, Mary Lee returned to Columbus and was one of the founders of St. Joseph Academy's Montessori School. In 1968, she moved to Pensacola, FL to start a Montessori school, Creative Learning Center. She taught 3-4 year olds for 35 years until she retired. Mary Lee married Chuck Porter in 1969 and at age 36 gave birth to their first child, Chad who died of SIDS at the age of 3 months. She then gave birth to two more sons, Chance in 1972 and Hayden in 1975. Mary Lee married Maj. Charles Hanson in 1996 and together they have shared more than 21 wonderful and happy years.

She is survived by her husband Charles; her son, Chance (Jessica) and granddaughters Aubrie (10) and Avery Porter (7); son, Hayden and grandsons Cole (12) and Reese Porter (8). She is also survived by older brother, Dr. L Tad (Joan) Wagenbrenner, younger brothers and sister, Thomas (Judy) Wagenbrenner, Ann (Col. David) Hancock and Michael (Polly) Wagenbrenner and 14 nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed traveling, being with her family and her book club. She also taught water aerobics up until last year. Mary Lee will always be remembered for her indomitable spirit, finding the good in people and despite all her tragedies always having a smile on her face.

There will be a Memorial Service Mass in her honor on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at St.Thomas More Catholic Church, 3295 Barrancas Ave., Pensacola, FL 32507 at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

 https://www.youcaring.com/jessicaporterandchanceporter-1047224?fb_action_ids=10159881741515531&fb_action_types=youcaringcom%3Adonate&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B1719591381424408%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22youcaringcom%3Adonate%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D