Tori Hanson

Kristin Tori Hanson age 56 of Stillwater, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025. 

Born on September 9, 1968, Tori was welcomed into the loving home of Gary and Karen Hanson as the second of three children. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1987 and later earned her medical assistant degree from Minneapolis Business College in 1995—setting the foundation for a life devoted to helping others.

Tori dedicated her career to caregiving, working as both a medical assistant and personal care aide. Her compassionate heart led her to the Hope Residence in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, where she cared for adult residents with multiple disabilities. Tori’s warmth, compassion, and attentiveness made her a natural in this role, where she built deep, trusting relationships with the residents she cared for. Many found great comfort in her presence, even amid significant challenges. Families often shared their appreciation for the gentle care and genuine respect she offered their loved ones. Even after her cancer diagnosis forced her to leave her position, Tori remained a presence in their lives—visiting, comforting, and reminding everyone that her devotion to others extended far beyond her job description.

In May 2019, Tori was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, marking the beginning of a long and courageous battle. Rather than weakening her faith, the diagnosis only strengthened it. Even through the exhaustion of treatment and the pain of her illness, she remained committed to her sobriety—a deeply personal triumph she carried with quiet strength and humility. Through it all, Tori leaned on 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 met each day with a quiet, unwavering strength that inspired everyone who knew her, always putting others before herself. Tori’s life was a testament to the power of grace, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in something greater, even in the midst 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, hugs, and boundless energy were her light through even the darkest days. In them, she found strength, purpose, and the courage to keep going. Her love for them was limitless, and it radiated through every moment she spent with them.

Beyond her roles as caregiver and mother, Tori found solace and delight in the natural beauty of northern Minnesota—especially along the shores of Lake Superior. The quiet woods and tranquil waters felt like home to her soul. She loved spending time outdoors, whether walking, hiking, or kayaking, particularly during cabin trips that brought her closer to both nature and the people she loved most. A lover of wildlife, she found joy in spotting birds, bunnies, turkey, and deer during her outdoor adventures.

Tori’s playful spirit was infectious, shining through in the little moments of everyday life. She would often burst into song, dance without hesitation, or make a goofy face just to spark a smile—bringing joy and laughter wherever she went. Her creativity was just as vibrant, and she expressed it through arts and crafts that radiated her warmth and imagination.

She loved the charm of small-town gatherings, especially Belle Plaine’s BBQ Days, where she could soak in the laughter, conversation, and sense of community she held dear. Tori also had a few favorite indulgences—most notably her go-to Caramel High Rise from Caribou Coffee (extra caramel, of course), often enjoyed alongside something sweet. 

Whether she was tidying up a room or thoughtfully organizing a space, she found pride and comfort in making her surroundings feel welcoming and just right. In all of these simple pleasures, Tori embraced life with lightheartedness, a loving spirit, and a deep appreciation for the everyday moments that made life truly beautiful.

Tori is preceded in death by her father, Gary Arthur Hanson. She is survived by her children, Kristin Elizabeth Hanson, Alexander Michael Bruce, and Katelynn Tori Hanson; her mother, Karen Rae Hanson; her aunt, Kaye Boesel; her siblings, Kari Elizabeth Szymanski and Erik Arthur Hanson; and her beloved grandchildren, 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/