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CHERYL HANNA - BURLINGTON - Our family is devastated by the untimely death of our beloved Cheryl Hanna, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and mentor to so many. She was 48. Cheryl was a force of nature. She was compassionate and thoughtful, sweet and funny, brilliant and an inspiration to so many. Cheryl was cherished by our family - by our children, parents, siblings, extended family, and friends who have become family in the community of Vermont and beyond. Our lives are forever changed as we grieve the loss of our beautiful Cheryl. On behalf of our family, we send love to all who know our grief and who endeavor to sustain her shining light. Cheryl was born in Detroit, Mich., in the late 1960s into a large and loving Christian Palestinian family. She grew up in a working class neighborhood with a determined single mother that said one day she would attend Harvard or Yale Universities. She received her BA degree in sociology and anthropology, magna cum laude, from Kalamazoo College and her JD degree, cum laude, from Harvard University. Upon graduation, she served on the 1992 Clinton-Gore campaign and then as an assistant state's attorney in Baltimore before joining the Vermont Law School faculty in 1994. She also was visiting professor at the University of California-Hastings College of the Law and at Seattle University School of Law. While we mourn the loss of a very special woman, we also celebrate her remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to all to reach out to the less fortunate and to serve a cause greater than ourselves. For those who may ask what they can do to honor Cheryl, we have a simple request. Honor her example of selflessness and community service and her commitment to mentor and encourage young people. In her public life, Cheryl was known as compassionate advocate for people without voices; in her private life, she cherished her family. We are thankful to the many people who have reached out to us and have shared their prayers for her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Women Helping Battered Women, P.O. Box 1535, Burlington, VT 05402.
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I first met Cheryl when she became my neighbor on So. Winooski Ave. Such a sweet nature about her, her smiling face on the t.v., explaining in our terms, what was happening in our area. Such a smart, bright star- I remember how her smile and personality would light up the room. She was there always- for folks that needed her the most. She glowed around her children- very proud ! I miss your smiling eyes !!
Martha Phillips
Friend
July 24, 2020
I first met Cheryl when I was looking to buy a pair of glasses at Costco. She came over and gave me advice... which I accepted very gratefully. She then spent about thirty minutes with me picking out the perfect pair. Actually I ended up buying two pairs on her insistence. From what I have heard about her.. .that first meeting is who Cheryl was.... engaging, generous of herself, kind, excellent taste and able to make people feel good about themselves. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you all at this terribly sad time
alison segar
August 7, 2014
I am so terribly sorry for your loss, and wish you peace and comfort.
Laura Gans
August 6, 2014
To family and friends of Cheryl may God wrap you all in his arms at this time of sorrow. Enjoyed her commentary. She will be missed.
Diane LaRiviere
August 5, 2014
I only knew your beautiful smiling face on tv, but I always was mesmerized in your commentaries and your knowledge of the legal system. I sure will miss your tv presence. I am so sad for your family. Peace to you all.
August 4, 2014
Dear Paul,
I have not stopped thinking about you, Samira, or Elias since I heard the news. I am thinking of you now, knowing you are with your friends and community in remembering Cheryl. Please know I am with you in spirit.
I have also not stopped thinking about Cheryl and how much she will be missed.
Sending my love and prayers.
Brenda Conaway
August 1, 2014
Cheryl Hanna was a wonderful lady who has always greeted everyone with a warm smile.
It is very sad to see her go so quickly, as she will be greatly missed for all time.
May her spirit and soul rest in peace, along with watching over on her husband and kids, the family, and friends as well.
David Leon
August 1, 2014
barbara fernandez
August 1, 2014
Rest peacefully Cheryl. With love and admiration for a truly incredible woman.
Karen (Feeley) Kitonis
July 31, 2014
God rest your beautiful soul
Anthony Moreland
July 31, 2014
While I did not know Cheryl Hanna, I felt I knew so much of her, as I listened to her explanations of the law. A real person of immense brilliance and compassion for all. The world, the State of Vermont, the legal community, all of us, have lost a true friend and advocate, in short a treasure. May her soul rest in peace always. My deepest condolences to Cheryl's husband and children.
Sukie Knight
July 31, 2014
I only met Cheryl once, over ten years ago in a room with hundreds of other people, but she made an impression on me that lasts to this day. It was a conference for new law professors and Cheryl was one of the speakers. She gave an incredibly funny, touching, and inspiring speech about the joys (and pains!) of a life of teaching and writing. I'll never forget one thing she said in particular -- referring to an old professor of hers, she said "It was your job to believe in me before I believed in myself." I think of those words often in my interactions with my own students. I also e-mailed Cheryl after the event with some questions, and she sent me a wonderfully warm and encouraging response. Thanks, Cheryl. You made a real difference.
Heidi Kitrosser
July 31, 2014
Paul, Samira and Elias, I am so sorry for your devastating loss of Cheryl. I enjoyed meeting all of you at the Hanna family reunion while visiting my dear friend Karen. I especially loved meeting your family and admired all the talent and sparkling conversations. I can't begin to understand the grief you are must be feeling but I offer my sympathies and compassion just the same. may Cheryl's bright spirit shine in heaven as it did on earth. All my best. Nanette Alton.
Nanette Alton
July 31, 2014
No one else will ever understand and appreciate the deliciousness of a grande two honey soy extra foamy Chai Tea Misto like you. Thanks again for the fun necklace. I am wearing it all week just for you.
Kim Blum
July 30, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Valerie Gilbertson
July 30, 2014
The memories I have . . . the WONDERFUL memories! My dear, dear friend . . . we lost touch over the last few years and I regret that so very much. You will never know how you touched my life and saw me through some very difficult times with your wisdom, compassion and love. Paul, know that you and your children are in my daily thoughts and prayers. My heart aches for all of you.
Sherri Richardson
July 30, 2014
Paul- You and the whole family will be in my everyday prayers. I hope that somehow the pain of the loss generates more love with the kids. They need their Dad more than ever and you are a darn good Dad. I watched you with your kids as babies and you had them with you at ALL times- mowing the yard or trimming the trees- your babies were strapped just as close as they could be to their Dad. I am very, very sorry Paul, but I know Cheryl is still at your side.
Martha Phillips
July 30, 2014
Dear Paul, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and the children.
Ann Tuttle
July 30, 2014
So very sorry for your loss! Thinking of you all. - Your friends at Timber Lane Pediatrics
July 30, 2014
Cheryl was, and will be, an inspiration to women, compassionate people in all arenas, those seeking solutions to our complex problems and young people needing mentors and advocates. I admired her tremendously.
Roxane Leopold
July 30, 2014
Although we have never met, I will miss your explanations of the law in a way that I can understand. Rest in Peace.
Pat Irish
July 30, 2014
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