Babette Hansen

Babette (König) Hansen, who was affectionately named “Friedl” during her youth and loved to be called “Muttl” by her kids, departed her loving family on Friday November 12, 2021.

Babette was born on a Bavarian farm in Grosssorheim, Germany on a cold winter’s day on February 20, 1943. Her parents, Wilhelmine and Johannes König, were told she would not survive the night, yet she grew up healthy and strong, living 78 years. Babette graduated from the Staatliche Berufsschule in Nördlingen and went on to attend college at Bachschule in Frankfurt, Germany.

Having an adventurous spirit, Babette traveled often making friends throughout her ventures. While dreams of becoming a foreign news correspondent were her initial desire, Babette’s maternal instincts and natural ability to care for others, led her to become an Au Pair to the Tilson family, who were living in the United States. She adored that time and looked forward to raising her own family.

In 1971, she married Martin Hansen and moved permanently to the United States. They lived in Indiana for a few years and then settled in Pennsylvania where they raised three children and were married for over thirty years.

Babette was mother to Jennifer Cole (husband Darren Cole), Michelle Moton of Ellicott City, MD (husband Norman Moton) and Robert Hansen of Ridgeland, MS. She raised her children with love and devotion, sharing often that they were her greatest accomplishment. Babette was lovingly known as “Oma” to her four grandchildren, all of whom she helped raise even devoting her retirement days to virtual learning and caregiving.

Once Babette’s children were older, she continued her work as an Insurance Claims Adjuster and Insurance Agent. Babette was known for her intelligence, calm nature, high expectations and strong work ethic. She earned promotions and accolades throughout her career. She was most proud of keeping a whole office running even in the face of mass layoffs.

Regardless of her numerous accolades, Babette’s greatest legacy is the loving disposition she has transferred on to her children and grandchildren. They all love deeply knowing they too have been loved. Her energy and patience knew no bounds when caring for young children. Her family will remember her humor, wit, love for reading, puzzles, gardening, and her love of the outdoors. She was a modern day ‘Snow White’ often attracting birds, deer, and squirrels with her calm aura.

In addition to her children, sons-in-law’s, and grandchildren, Babette is survived by her older brother, Gottfried König and his family who live in Grosssorheim, Germany.

A memorial will be held this summer once family can all meet to celebrate Babette safely. A Lutheran service will be held at Babette’s home church, First Lutheran Church of Ellicott City, followed by a celebration of life at her home located in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Babette was a Blue Star Mother and strong supporter of our military service men and women. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project can be made in Babette’s name.

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