Hanna, Marion

After 94 years that was beautifully lived, Mom passed calmly and peacefully as the sun set on November 22, 2023.

MARION SYLVIA HANNA (née Johnson) was born at the family farm near Lindbergh, Alberta on June 26, 1929. She was welcomed lovingly by her parents, Thomas Robert and Marion Kathleen (Wolfe) Johnson. Along with her four siblings, the close-knit family shared in the hard work of pioneer farming life through the depression years yet enjoyed picnics at Whitney Lake, times with extended family, literature, classical music, and learning at every opportunity. Mom always felt she had a very blessed childhood and loved her family dearly.

With a keen mind and exceptional organizational skills, Marion had the opportunity to attend the University of Alberta where she pursued Education. Her first position was in a one-room school responsible for all grades in a remote community near Spirit River. Although she was very young, her dedication to teaching was bar none. Her love, compassion and understanding of children and her desire to help them reach their potential was immeasurable. Her teaching ethic continued throughout her career and touched many young lives which is evident even today by past students (and student teachers) who still recall and share the impact and supportive influence mom had on their lives. Marion taught in the communities of Bonanza, Westlock, Ponoka, Diamond City, Lethbridge, Shaughnessy, and Picture Butte.

After accepting the teaching position in Diamond City, Marion met her loving life partner, Allan Hanna. They were married on March 31, 1956, and five children (and many pets) soon followed.

Marion gained a very large, very close and "lively" extended family with the Hanna clan. Many family gatherings were shared over the years. Mom played an integral role in keeping family and friends connected, always welcoming and hosting many gatherings. So many wonderful memories for us!

In her quiet and unassuming way, Marion gave back freely to her loved community of Picture Butte; School teacher, Adult literacy teacher, Sunday school teacher, Library board member, Church board member, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Pastoral care volunteer, and the list goes on.

The Picture Butte Trinity United Church family had an extra special place in Mom's heart. She was a committed and active member of Trinity and had many close friendships whom she cherished dearly.

Mom had remarkable insight into recognizing the needs of others. In her quiet way, she would reach out to many throughout the years. This showed through her role as a teacher, through her connection with friends and neighbours but mostly as our mom and Gram. She was so excited welcoming each grandchild and embracing each one with unconditional love, treasuring every moment with them, making sure they always felt extra special.

In recent years, her great-grandchildren brought many warm smiles and much joy to her eyes when words became difficult for her to speak.

Mom's sincere and humble way, her gracious and kind spirit, her wisdom and insight, and her love and devotion to family and the greater good, will be in our hearts always.

Marion was predeceased by her husband Allan, her parents, her siblings: Pat, Sue, Tommy and Fred, and many of Allan's family members through the years.

Marion's legacy continues with her five children and their families: David (Karen) Hanna, their children (Connor, Erik); Don (Sharon), their children (Kate, Kieran, Mac); Mark (Holly) their child Cory; Laurel (Greg) Van Vaerenbergh, their children Chelsey (Scott) Slomp, (son Colson) Brittany (Cale) Hubka, (sons, Gray and Nova), Kimberly (Ty) Bodnar (children, Bo, Benny & Maeve), and Curtis (Stephanie) Van Vaerenbergh (daughter, Blake); Wade (Karen), their children, Trevor (Madison, baby boy soon to arrive), Taylor (Morgan, baby soon to arrive) Eaton.

She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Doreen Youngens, Fonda Hanna and Rosalie Hanna and many, many nieces, nephews and their families.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Marion's "family" at Piyami Lodge/Place and Dr Mohammed for the loving care provided to Mom throughout the years. Thank you very much to Cornerstone for their personal and professional care. We are most grateful to all.

In lieu of flowers, and if you so desire, donations will be graciously accepted to Trinity United Church (https://www.prairiespiritpc.ca/trinity-picture-butte-and-barons-memorial) or Box 597, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0.

Marion's Memorial Service will be held at TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, 528 Maple Crescent, Picture Butte, AB, on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Glenda Wert officiating. The Memorial Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Marion's obituary on the Cornerstone website.