Mary Claire Hanson Rychart

Mary Claire Hanson Rychart of Monroe, Louisiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 16, 2024, at the age of 81. Mary Claire was a devoted sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was born on April 11, 1943, in Monroe to parents Harold Vern Hanson and Ruby Virginia Benoit.

She grew up in Monroe and graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in 1961. She furthered her education by earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1965 from Northeast Louisiana State College (now University of Louisiana Monroe). She worked for over forty years as a registered nurse, with most of those years at St. Francis Medical Center. 

Mary Claire was known and well-loved for her many talents. Her love for music was evident in her faithful service as a church member and her role as a pianist at Community Baptist Church for over forty years. Her extraordinary talent and love for music have blessed untold people throughout the years. She had a very giving and generous heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. She loved her family and friends and delighted in preparing delicious meals to show her love for them. 

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, survived by her four children, Robin Rychart Kirk (Rodney), Kristi Rychart, Bobby Rychart (Angela), and Ginger Rychart Nolan (Brad); and seven grandchildren, Megan Kirk Henderson (Tyler), Tyler Kirk, Brandon Lewis, Joshua Rychart, Matthew Nolan, Mary Alice Nolan, and Rayleigh Smith. She is also survived by her brothers, Harvey Hanson and Henry Hanson (Kathy), as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Johnny Hanson. 

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of St. Francis Medical Center, LHC Specialty Hospital, and Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care for taking such great care of our mother.

A celebration of her life service will be held in West Monroe, Louisiana, at Community Baptist Church on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Community Baptist Church’s Building Fund.