Tori Hanson

Kristin Tori Hanson age 56 of Stillwater, Minnesota, passed away on August 12, 2025. Tori was born on September 9, 1968, and was welcomed into the loving home of Gary and Karen Hanson. She was the second of three children. Tori graduated from Stillwater High School in 1987 and went on to earn a medical assistant degree from Minneapolis Business College in 1995.

Tori dedicated her life to caring for others through her work as a medical assistant and personal care aide. Her deep compassion and commitment to service led her to the Hope Residence in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, where she provided care for adult residents with multiple disabilities. Tori's supportive, loving, and attentive nature allowed her to thrive in this role, forming strong connections with residents—many of whom, despite facing significant challenges, were especially comforted by her presence. Families visiting their loved ones frequently expressed their gratitude for the kindness and respect Tori showed. Even after her battle with cancer forced her to step away from the medical field, Tori continued to visit the residents she cared for, demonstrating that her dedication to others extended far beyond the responsibilities of her job.

Tori was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in May 2019, a moment that marked the beginning of a long and courageous battle. Her diagnosis did not shake her faith—instead, it deepened it. Even in the midst of grueling treatments and physical pain, she remained steadfast in her sobriety— a personal victory she carried with strength and humility. Through it all, Tori turned to her daily devotions as a source of peace and strength, grounding herself in prayer and scripture that gave her hope on even the hardest days. Her faith never wavered, and neither did her love for those around her. She faced her illness with a quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew her, continuing to care more about others than herself. Tori’s life was a living testimony to the power of grace, perseverance, and unshakable belief, even in the face of life’s most difficult trials.

As a single mother, Tori poured her heart into raising her three children—Kristi, Alex, and Katie—with fierce devotion and unconditional love. She faced every challenge with strength and determination, doing everything she could to give them a life filled with care, comfort, and warmth. Her children were her greatest pride, but it was her four grandchildren—Oliver, Deegan, Zoey, and Emma Rose—who lit up her world in a way only they could. Tori cherished and adored them with every fiber of her being, their laughter and hugs bringing light to even her darkest days. In the midst of her battle with cancer, it was her grandchildren who gave her the strength to keep fighting. They were her joy, her hope, and the reason she continued to push forward with courage and grace. Her love for them was limitless, and it radiated through every moment she spent with them. Tori found peace and happiness in the natural beauty of Lake Superior and northern Minnesota, where the quiet woods and tranquil waters felt like home to her soul. She loved taking walks, hiking trails, and kayaking, especially during cabin trips that brought her closer to nature and the people she loved. Her playful spirit shone through in everyday moments—breaking into song and spontaneous dance, and making silly faces that brought laughter to everyone around her. Tori had a creative side, too, and she poured it into arts and crafts that reflected her warmth and imagination. She cherished Belle Plaine’s BBQ Days, where she could enjoy good company, community, and celebration. A lover of wildlife, she found joy in spotting birds, bunnies, turkey, and deer during her outdoor adventures. Tori also had a special fondness for Caribou Coffee’s Caramel High Rise with extra caramel, paired perfectly with her favorite sweets. Whether it was tidying up a room or organizing a space just right, she took pride in keeping things neat and welcoming. In all these things, Tori embraced life with lightheartedness, love, and an appreciation for the little moments that made it beautiful.

Tori was preceded in death by Gary Arthur Hanson. She is survived by Kristin Elizabeth Hanson,= Alexander Michael Bruce, Katelynn Tori Hanson, Karen Rae Hanson, Kari Elizabeth Szymanski, Erik Arthur Hanson, Oliver Emmett Bruce, Deegan Michael Bruce, Zoey Lyn Bruce, and Emma Rose Hanson.

Celebration of Life for Tori will be held on Tuesday, September 9, at 5:30PM at Bradshaw’s in Stillwater, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Tori’s name to The Pillars Hospice Home or Beyond Hospice at https://www.beyondhospicemn.org/donate or to the Hope Residence in Belle Plaine, MN, at https://www.tlha.org/donate/