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Sarah Hannah Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Hannah
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Dawn Corrigan
April 6, 2025
Rest in peace.
M. lily K
May 23, 2008
-she was without life for 1 year. Today we miss you the most!
Chuck Taylor
April 22, 2008
She made me eat broccoli. She knew I didn't like it, but she made me eat it anyway. She felt that I needed it, so she bought it, brought it to my house, cooked it, put it on our plates, and told me I HAD to eat it all. Not just the flowery stuff, but the stalk part, too. Only Sarah could make me eat broccoli.
B R
January 24, 2008
I did not know Sarah as well as I would have liked. Perhaps it was her innate charm that made me feel that this sentiment was requited. We were friends in high school and I greatly admired her artless and disarming spirit. When I saw her again at our 20th reunion (in her outlandish, celebratory stockings) we embraced warmly, introduced each other's spouses, and after a bit of catching up I turned to my wife and said without hesitation or irony "Sarah was my favorite person in high school."
Sarah was rare and genuine and unforgettable. She was vulnerable and self-aware and unashamed. She exposed herself valiantly and availed herself freely of truth and beauty, undiluted and unfiltered. She touched people deeply and effortlessly and sincerely. Her loss is profound and far-reaching.
I am compelled now, almost desperately, to unearth her elusive qualities within myself and my world. Would that she could lead me to them herself by the light of her irrepressible, solicitous smile or her inimitable voice.
I convey my sincere sympathy to all others she touched, particularly those (far luckier than I) who truly knew her. We are fragile creatures on an exquisite and perilous planet; let us all seek and embrace ardently and unabashedly the truth and beauty that Sarah sought and embodied.
I believe that it is for people like Sarah that the concepts of heaven and reincarnation were born; that someday, somehow, we will be reunited with her as before. It is for Sarah, and people like her, that I yearn to believe these things myself.
Allyson Halpern
January 23, 2008
I learned about this tragedy months ago and I just can't shake my sadness. I knew Sarah in high school and though we didn't overlap that much, I remember her standing out as smart, witty and incredibly likeable. After hearing the news, I bought her two books and was blown away by her personal strength and poetic voice. I'm so sorry she's not with us anymore. Wishing her close friends and family all the strength and fond memories they can muster.
Jason Tauches
January 15, 2008
For S.H
These days are too bright,
As if the sun would wish to compensate
for loss of words.
A woman sitting
outside the café with her sunglasses on,
high boots and deep laugh,
reminds me of you,
cool in ambiguity
and smooth in your dark space.
it's taken me this long to write something on here. She was my teacher and friend, and someone to whom, whether I was with her for a minute or a few hours, I never wanted to say goodbye.
Jennifer L Foray
December 28, 2007
I've known about Sarah's death for the past few months, but I've been absent the words to express my deep sorrow. As many others have said here, the world isn't quite as bright, as intelligent, as fun without Sarah. She was one of the first people I met at Columbia, when I worked in the English Department, and we remained friends throughout my tenure there as a grad student in another department. When we moved out of state, we lost touch with each other, but, again, like so many others here, there was always a place for her in my heart. I sit here writing this in Butler Library at Columbia--I've just visited the 6th floor carrells where we spent so many hours together, talking shop, life, dogs. I know she's gone, but I kept expecting to see her there. I'm just so sorry that neither I, nor anyone else whose life she blessed, will ever see her again.
My sincerest condolences to her family and to her little Bridget.
James D. Fleming
November 20, 2007
I am appalled by this news. Yet better to know it than not. So much for idle web-wandering.
I knew Sarah at Columbia. She was a wonderful peer and friend. I have known very few people of such honesty, directness, openness, and intelligence. My very, very deepest condolences to her husband and family.
Sarah in 1988
Chuck Taylor
October 10, 2007
Although the last time I saw Sarah was almost 15 years ago, I don't believe that a month has gone by without me thinking about her. Yesterday I read in Wesleyan's alumni magazine that Sarah died in May. I am so sorry that Sarah is gone and send my deepest sympathies to her family and everyone who knew her. I don't know how to convey how special Sarah was or how much she has always meant to me. Instead, I will share the photo she included in a care package she sent to me near the end of my first year of law school so that I would not be too frazzled during finals.
barbara klein
September 5, 2007
Oh God, my heart is broken. Sarah was fragile and strong and beautiful and sad and outrageous. We spent lots of time together at VCCA walking and laughing, talking about our lives and work. My most vivid memory is of Sarah staring down a perplexed bull who wasn't used to such dismissive treatment.
Mark McCreary
September 4, 2007
I did not know Sarah but through her work know a small part of her. These letters from friends, colleagues and former students speak so glowing in terms of how giving a person she was it only raises the point of why people are not being told such things when it could make a real difference to them. It may seem callous to bring this up but true learning must only be lessoned once so let us all take away from this former educator what her short life so spake. In that time when your heart is sore for Sarah do not let these things live on in your mind, turn to someone; anyone and give to them what it is you wished you had given her. Do not part with family or friends leaving chasms of unspokeness. Be not afraid to reach for someone’s hand and explain to them exactly why they are important to you because the rewards of action will far out weigh the possible embarrassment of foolishness for you see time is the enemy. With the turn of a head children are grow to adults, some of those important to us have moved on and time has removed these opportunities. I mourn not for Sarah, who is passed to a less painful place, but for those who left so much undeclared.
Laura Long
August 5, 2007
I send a photo from late July, 2006, as a way of hoping Sarah's family and loved ones recall her happiness, which was true and frequent. The photo was taken when she spontaneously contributed an aria to an ad-hoc after-dinner gathering (at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts).
Sarah July 2006 Virginia Center for Creative Arts
Laura Long
August 5, 2007
Sarah and I were deeply connected friends since we met in July 2006 at Virginia Center for Creative Arts. She was vibrant beyond words.... Let me just say she had a generous heart, a keen, unique intellect, and, of course, extraordinary poetic powers. I hope her family and loved ones will recall her happiness in this life, for she was a person of great joy. I send you my very deepest sympathy.
Andy S.
July 28, 2007
I met Sarah years ago when we were both graduate students at Columbia. We'd stayed in touch over the years. I am shocked and inconsolably saddened by this news. Sarah was a vibrant, brilliant, funny, incisive, caring woman. She loved and laughed easily. My deepest condolences to her best friend, Zarina Maiwandi, and her family in this difficult time.
Anna Ross
July 26, 2007
I knew Sarah far too briefly but was immediately impressed by her intelligence, wit, straightforwardness, and generosity as a poet and a person. (She would argue that the two are one and the same, I'm sure.) She was someone I thought I would know for a long time, and her loss is profoundly shocking and sad.
Ben Nachumi
July 21, 2007
For about nine months, more than a decade ago, I knew Sarah very well. She meant a lot to me. I'd been following her literary career on and off, and I woke this morning thinking about one of her poems. I tried to find it on the web, and heard the terrible story.
M. Ben Zekri
July 8, 2007
This morning (local time in the Kingdom of Bahrain, 8-7-2007) I googled “love distance longing” for that I needed inspiration to write a love letter … for the love of my life and my heart Britta ….
I then came across Longing Distance, Sarah’s book of inspiration, love and appreciation. Instantly, I felt I need to be her friend…. In the process of my search for her e-mail…. I was struck to read about her departure of this mundane existence.
Sarah…. I wish I was your e-mail friend. Wherever you may be, I pray to Allah (God) for your happy and peaceful afterlife life.
—M. Ben Zekri
Jean
July 3, 2007
I didn't know Sarah personally. I fell in love with her poetry and emailed her to tell her as much. She was incredibly sweet and responsive; I felt honored to have had a brief correspondence with such a talented writer. I am so sad to learn this news. Her work has become part of who I am, and I will always cherish it.
Jessica
June 21, 2007
I come here everyday, hoping for new entries, and gathering as many pieces of Sarah as I can. Each one reflects the Sarah I knew-hilarious, brilliant, thoughtful, beautiful-and shows how many people were profoundly affected by her life and her death. She was my step-sister and my friend but seeing her through the eyes of others who loved her continues to keep her close. Thank you for everything you have written.
Deborah Wassertzug
June 19, 2007
I just received this tragic news in the worst possible way - doing a Google search to find out what was new with Sarah and her upcoming book. At first, I thought there had been a profile of Sarah in the Globe, and then I slowly realized what I was reading - the obituary of one of the most talented, kindest, funniest people I have ever known.
I met Sarah about six years ago in a poetry workshop at the 92nd Street Y, and we became friends. I enjoyed her company at many readings, and I vividly remember her dancing the hora at my wedding.
I will miss hearing Sarah speak, with an intonation that always struck a perfect balance between erudition and irony. It is so rare to meet such a talented person who is also so generous and unpretentious. I will miss that, and about a million more things, about Sarah.
May all of us - loved ones and friends and students - take comfort in her memory.
Jim Schwartz
June 16, 2007
I heard the news two nights ago and, although I saw Sarah rarely after high school, I've been heartsick since I heard. What a terrible loss.
My first memory of Sarah is from eighth grade, when a bunch of us raised hell in French class. My last is from our 20th high school reunion, when she told me about her book and we talked of her and her husband, then living in New York City, coming to visit my wife and me in the tranquil Connecticut suburbs. I always enjoyed her company. She was smart and witty and she thought for herself.
The visit never happened, but I did buy her book. Living almost around the corner from her throughout adolescence, passing her in the hallways at school, I really had no idea: she was seriously talented. Her poems weren't merely good, they didn't feel like attempts at something else; they were the real stuff. That she should be capable of writing them seemed almost miraculous. I meant to tell her how much I enjoyed them. It didn't occur to me that there wouldn't be a next time.
Rachel Wetzsteon
June 13, 2007
Sarah was a loyal friend, a delightful companion, a mensch, a riot, an excellent egg, a tough cookie, an enthusiast, a kind soul, a true poet. I'll miss her more than I can say.
David Hodgson
June 4, 2007
I have a memory of seeing Sarah returning from the beach looking sunned and happy with her Husband Bob and dog Bridget. She told me that they were moving to Boston. Having said I would miss them I walked away. What I did not say was I would miss her and the impromptu poetry lessons giving me the gift curiosity. Now I wish I had said more. David Hodgson neighbor New York City.
Anne Sanow
June 2, 2007
I met Sarah last summer at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and in the three weeks we spent there we bonded over both work and play. Her intensity and charisma were evident immediately--and even more so, her genuine open-heartedness. Back in the Boston area, she was generous in helping me during a transition to a new city and new teaching assignments. She was a friend I felt I'd already known for much longer than I had, and one I felt certain I would keep. That's rare. I feel the loss of that chance. Sarah, you are missed.
Neal Cohen
June 2, 2007
A tragic loss. Sarah was a warm and generous person who embodied the best of her parents. Her beauty was apparent through her words, spirit and friendship.
Our family will miss her.
Josh Davis
June 1, 2007
Sarah and I were very close in high school -- I learned so much from her about the world, about life, and about feeling. She saw things in trees and felt things in the air that others missed. She wrote beautiful letters, and she read with intensity and wisdom. And she was very, very funny.
I have not heard from her for more than 20 years, but (somehow) knowing that she was somewhere made the world feel better -- a thought about her would rescue a bad day, or (even more often) help me find space to smile. (As the memory of her love of the Monkees did even as I read of her death yesterday).
I learned of her death by accident -- her picture in the paper caught my parents eye and they called. Today, her birthday (as I remember every year), I feel her loss acutely. Looking at the Charles River this morning -- I wondered what she would see and I remembered walking along it with her. There is less for all of us now.
But -- I will hold on to things she shared with me -- from Amy Lowell to Jimmy Stewart -- and to memories of her smile, her somehow too big feet (leading her to want always to wear white socks), and the wisdom that shone so clearly through her eyes and her words.
Michael Trask
June 1, 2007
Though I did not know Sarah well, I am devastated by this news. I was in a writing class with Sarah at Wesleyan (fiction with Kit Reed), and she was an amazing person--brilliant, kind, funny, beautiful in every way. I saw her and Bob occasionally in New York after graduation because we all loved rock music. I am immensely saddened by this loss.
W
June 1, 2007
I first met Sarah Hannah in 2006, when taking her American literature course in the fall. I remember the standard first day of introducing ourselves as students--revealing our names, interests, favorite authors, and etc. I immediately told her of my love for Faulkner, and she responded wryly, "You must be a poet then."
I loved her for that. She was so perceptive about people and the world that it constantly amazed me. Her passion for teaching was clear, intellect as vast as the cosmos on the cover of her book, "Longing Distance," and of course, her kindness always unwavering.
Two months later, one of the pinnacles of my college career was reached when the class enjoyed a blissful "Faulkner Day,” as we buzzed with excitement while reading passages from "A Rose for Emily" before the winter break. I can still remember very well the beautiful smile she had on her face, and that is how I will always think of her. I am very grateful to have had such moments in my life.
Jay Brooks
May 31, 2007
I met Sarah through one of my best friends, Rob Daniels. Then Sarah became another one of my best friends. We were like the three goofy muskateers who did everything together. Our humor was arcane and only we understood it. We spent countless ours creating, painting, writing, critiquing and challenging each other to be the best we could be in a highly supportive way...its what best friends are supposed to do. Also not to mention upsetting the neighbors by cranking up the electric guitars late at night! Then Bob O'hagan entered into the loop...another best friend! We all moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn together. I remember none of us wanted to let the other spend an evening alone. If Sarah was out somewhere, Bob would come over. If I was home alone they would invite me over (bring your guitar!!!)etc. We were inseperable.
I guess what hurts the most, is we used to all spend our birthdays together. Bob, Sarah and I turned 41 this year. Bob's birthday is May 28th, mine is May 31st and Sarah's was supposed to be June 1st. I had hoped to grow old with the opportunity to celebrate our birthdays for many years to come...At least with a phone call. I had hoped to have many more silly memories and the "giggle fits" that go along with them. Unfortunately, were left with an indelible hole in our hearts this year. Sarah...we miss you on your birthday, and everyday.
Jay Brooks
May 31, 2007
I met Sarah through one of my best friends, Rob Daniels. Then Sarah became another one of my best friends. We were like the three goofy muskateers who did everything together. Our humor was arcane and only we understood it. We spent countless ours creating, painting, writing, critiquing and challenging each other to be the best we could be in a highly supportive way...its what best friends are supposed to do. Also not to mention upsetting the neighbors by cranking up the electric guitars late at night! Then Bob O'hagan entered into the loop...another best friend! We all moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn together. I remember none of us wanted to let the other spend an evening alone. If Sarah was out somewhere, Bob would come over. If I was home alone they would invite me over (bring your guitar!!!)etc. We were inseperable.
I guess what hurts the most, is we used to all spend our birthdays together. Bob, Sarah and I turned 41 this year. Bob's birthday is May 28th, mine is May 31st and Sarah's was supposed to be June 1st. I had hoped to grow old with the opportunity to celebrate our birthdays for many years to come...At least with a phone call. I had hoped to have many more silly memories and the "giggle fits" that go along with them. Unfortunately, were left with a hole in our hearts this year. Sarah...we miss you on your birthday, and everyday.
Ethan Amarant
May 31, 2007
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sarah’s passing. She was my poetry professor just this past semester and I had recommended her to several friends. She was intelligent, knowledgeable, and encouraging in the classroom. And she was so much fun. The Emerson community has lost a wonderful teacher. I regret never hearing her read her poetry, but I’m thankful to have known her.
Clare Kiley
May 31, 2007
I was so sad to hear of Sarah's passing. I knew Sarah from Newton South. I was always impressed with her intelligence, her calm nature and her sardonic wit. Despite her endearingly goofy side, she exuded such grace.
Kate Cumiskey
May 31, 2007
I was deeply saddened to hear about Sarah's passing. I met her, heartbreakingly recently, at the AWP conference in Atlanta this year. I'd listened to her read before and was struck by the heart, the bravery in her verse and voice. Getting to know her, however briefly, was a true pleasure. My deepest sympathies to her loved ones.
Tina Barr
May 31, 2007
I met Sarah as a fellow Tupelo Press poet several years ago, just as her first book came out, and I instinctively liked her, her clear intelligence, her luminous energy. I taught her book to my students and was much struck by her talent. Although I knew her in the most cursory of ways, I will miss her presence.
Erika (Rogoff) Leavitt
May 31, 2007
How sad the world has lost such a bright light. Sarah was one of the highlights, for me, at the 20th NSHS reunion. She was a spirited, funny, thoughtful woman. My heart goes out to her family and close friends.
Rob Daniels
May 31, 2007
When I moved to New York in 1989, Sarah was in her second year at Columbia and I was starting my first. We were friends in college and became even closer friends in graduate school. We played heavy metal music together, and she often came by my studio on 125th to watch me paint and to lend her moral support. She helped me through a breakup, made me tea when I got the flu and even introduced me to my future wife. Sadly, I had lost touch with her over the last few years, and knowing that we will never have the opportunity to get reacquainted will be difficult to accept.
Terry Hassol
May 31, 2007
Sarah's smile warmed my heart. We knew each other from our days at Newton South. Sarah will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Josh Hassol
May 31, 2007
Sarah was a close friend of mine through highschool and college. I remember her agile wit (always sardonic; always kind), her boundless curiousity, and her deep appreciation of the absurd. And oh, what a gift she had for writing! Everyone who knew her liked her, and we miss her greatly.
Don Share
May 31, 2007
I had the privilege of knowing Sarah and publishing some of her wonderful recent work in a literary magazine. I will miss her very much.
MaryAnn Dakkak
May 31, 2007
Spunky girl from Waban, Wode Island... Who liked Thai food, to articulate with hands and facial expressions, generous, funny, sarcastic, honest... I didn't have time to get to know her well enough for my liking. I will miss her and our continual plans for 'next time' and 'later'. My prayers and thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues and students, who will come upon the gap she left and remember for a long time to come.
Janet (Driscoll) Perry
May 31, 2007
I was deeply saddened to hear about Sarah's passing. I knew her through my dear cousin Maura Kelly who grew up a few doors down from The Goldstein's. Maura and Sarah were inseparable as children. I will always remember Sarah as kind, generous, and always laughing. The last time I saw Sarah was at my fathers wake. We hadn't seen Sarah for years, and my family and I were all thrilled to see her. I was so touched that she was there. I know she will be dearly missed and I extend my sincerest sympathies to Maura and all of Sarah's loved ones.
muge karamanci
May 31, 2007
She was an amazing teacher. I looked up to her because she was my first poet teacher. I was her student in Emerson College last semester. She was really understanding, funny and kind. I'll remember her, with her beautiful smile that gave me trust.
Kelli Sigmon
May 31, 2007
Sarah and Bridgette were our upstairs friends and neighbors here in Brookline. In the short amount of time we were blessed to have her in our lives, we found her intelligent, charismatic, and incredibly lovely. She loved Bridgette so much, and understood our bond with our own dog. I keep expecting to hear the jingle of Bridgette's collar echoing through the stairway. . . and it saddens me to think I won't. Our prayers go out to her family during this time of incredible loss.
Alexander Todorovic
May 30, 2007
Sarah Hannah was an amazing professor. She knew a word in greek and latin for every mechanic and facet of poetry. I thought she was hilarious and clever. She helped me shape my writing and was dedicated to improving the skills of her whole class. I was her student from January through May 2007. She had achieved so much of what I want to accomplish as a writer; she was one of the people I looked up to in my academic life. She had a lot of flair.
Una Gandbhir
May 30, 2007
This is about the tenth time I've come here trying to find the words to say what can't be expressed. Sarah was one of my dearest friends, found again after years apart, and I treasured having her in my life. A future without her in it - without her poetry, her profanity, her politics, her puns - seems utterly bleak and impossible right now. I know there are many others mourning her loss, and my heart is with you and above all, with Sarah.
John Mordes
May 30, 2007
Sarah was Poet Laureate of The Friends of Hemlock Gorge...a post to which it was my pleasure to appoint her. She grew up in Waban and loved both the Charles River and Hemlock Gorge, through which it flowed. Even when at Columbia, she found the Friends of Hemlock Gorge community group on the web and became a supporter. When she moved back to Boston, she became and active and much loved member of our organization. She shared with us her love of nature and poetry and community. We loved her flair, her verse, and wit. It was a beautiful fit that she become our poet laureate. Many of the Friends attended her 2006 reading at the Newton Public library, which we still celebrate at our website. I last saw Sarah when I gave her a ride home from one of the Friends' meetings last winter. (She would take the 'T' to get there!) We talked about poetry and, ironically, about a new book about verse called "The Ode Not Taken." I so wish that she were not journeying down the road she has now taken. She was much loved and will be sorely missed.... Godspeed and sincerest condolences to all her loved ones.
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