Irene was the elder sister of Magnus Hansen, the sister-in-law of Erin Hansen and the aunt of Annika Hansen, who was assimilated by the Borg in 2356 and became Seven of Nine. One of her ancestors was Sven "Buttercup" Hansen, a 22nd century prize fighters. (VOY episode: "11:59", ENT - Rise of the Federation novel: A Choice of Futures) In the 2350s, her niece often stayed in her house while her parents were away. After the USS Voyager returned to the Alpha Quadrant in 2377, Seven of Nine went to live with Irene. (VOY novel: Homecoming)