Aline L. Hansens

ASHEVILLE — Aline L. Hansens, 96, of Givens Estates died Wednesday, June 12, 2013, following complications from injuries suffered in a car accident.

Born Jan. 27, 1917, the daughter of Gustav and Fannie Rudolphi, she spent her early years in Nauvoo, Ill. She received a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in fine arts in 1938. She was an accomplished artist who worked as a chartist for General Motors Company in Detroit. In 1944, she married Dr. Elton Hansens and moved to North Brunswick, N.J., where they resided until 1981. Her artistic work and scientific illustrations won significant recognitions. Her pen and ink work was exhibited at the Hunt Botanical Library of Carnegie-Mellon University, where it is now in their permanent collection. Four of her paintings were exhibited at the First International Exhibit of Botanical Art in Johannesburg, South Africa, and two paintings were exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. She illustrated 9 books, numerous scientific journals and publications and was a member of the guild for Natural Science Illustrators.

In 1981, she moved to Western North Carolina, living in Hendersonville and finally at Givens Estates in Asheville, where she and her husband enjoyed travelling throughout the U.S., pursuing interests in photography, teaching and also botanizing with the Western Carolina Botanical Club. They considered community service important and took an active role in local activities.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013, in the Thomas Coke Chapel, Givens Estates.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elton and Aline Hansens Charitable Fund at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, 4 Vanderbilt Park Dr #300, Asheville, NC 28803.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors & Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.