Noreen Hansen was born in County Westmeath, Ireland in 1961 and emigrated to the United States in 1962 with her adoptive parents, Rosemary and Francis Hansen, to settle in Brooklyn. Noreen was educated at Queen of All Saints Grammar School in Brooklyn until 1971 and at St. Ann’s on Staten Island from 1971 to 1975. She graduated from New Dorp High School, Staten Island in 1979, and volunteered at both Carmel Richmond Nursing Home and Staten Island University Hospital, as well as Staten Island Head Start program in Dongan Hills at the Berry Houses. Following college, Noreen began a 22-year career with the New York City Council where she retired as head secretary to the Director of the Computer Division. Noreen joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Richmond County, Division 2 in 1997, and has held many offices, currently, she serves as President of the Division. Noreen is a member of the Columbiettes, a Knight of Pythian sister in Brooklyn, and holds the position of Secretary to the Staten Island County Board of the L.A.O.H. Noreen services as a literacy tutor in reading for grades 1 and 3 at P.S. 68 on Staten Island.

Noreen has two brothers, John Kevin and Michael Francis, five nephews, and two great-nieces, one of whom (Michael) she has raised since he was 3-years-old. Noreen resides in Dongan Hills and is an active member of St. Ann’s Church, where she supports the school in many volunteer capacities.