July 1, 2024

 Beverly Ann Hansing, a resident of the Montrose/La Crescenta/Whiting Woods area for over 65 years, passed away peacefully on July 1 with her daughters and their husbands by her side. Her extended family had recently gathered to celebrate her 92nd birthday on June 22.

Born in 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Walter Albert Bastyr and Sidonia Adella Rachac Bastyr, she and her older brother Douglas lived in several Minnesota cities before the family moved to the San Fernando Valley when she was 11 years old. Her parents found jobs in industries supporting World War II efforts and later opened a woman’s clothing store. Auspicious, Beverly attended North Hollywood High School where she met Robert George Hansing (Bob), the love of her life.

Despite protests from their parents saying they were too young, Bev and Bob married on May 5, 1951 during Bob’s brief San Diego shore duty in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. Their first child, Deborrah Ann, came in April 1952, and their second child, Dennis Robert, followed in March 1954 while Bob was mostly overseas and Bev lived with her parents in Temple City. They waited until November 1965 to be blessed with Deanne Marie to complete their family.

Bev and Bob moved to Montrose in 1958 when they opened Montrose Bike Shop, the beginning of their business success and engagement with the local communities. In 1962, they undertook the construction of the iconic Montrose Bike Shop building, which is still owned today by the family. In 1973, they opened Euro-Asia Imports in La Crescenta, which is also still family-owned and operated. They both remained committed to supporting local businesses.

Bev and Bob loved to travel, which Bev attributed to her fully Czech bohemian ancestry. Mostly generated by Bob’s involvement in the bicycle business and the promotion of cycling in the United States, they traveled extensively through all 50 states, several European countries, Mexico and Japan.

Sadly, Bob passed away on Feb. 2, 2001 just three months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. Since then, Bev surrounded herself with family and continued to travel frequently with them and her friends until the past few years.

Bev was a consummate homemaker. She loved her home and enjoyed filling it with “bicycle things,” trip memorabilia and holiday decorations. She was an accomplished seamstress and over the years created many costumes, prom dresses, cheerleading uniforms and bridesmaid dresses. Her Catholic faith gave her comfort and she remained a devoted parishioner of St. James/Holy Redeemer.

She is survived by her daughter Debbi Hansing Leto (Nick), son Dennis Robert Hansing (Becki), daughter Dede Hansing Grajeda (Dave); grandchildren Allison Ann Leto, Carrilyn Leto Martin (JD), Phillip Dennis Hansing (Kristy), Derrick Woody Hansing (Katie), Nicholas Robert Grajeda; and great grandchildren Makenzie, Harper and Logan Martin and Amelia Hansing.

Services for Beverly were held privately at Crippen Mortuary. She is interned for eternity with her “one and only” Bob at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.