Mirvyn and Willow HANNA

MIRVYN EDWARD HANNA August 23, 1938 - January 16, 2022 Mirvyn Edward Hanna, in his 84th year, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2022, at his home near Bethany, Ontario. He was survived by his wife Willow Marie Hanna (née DeFazio); children Deirdre Hanna (Peter Mendell), Zak Hanna (Suzanne Nacha), Rachel Hanna (Matthew McGraw) and Emily Cooper (Tom); grandchildren Alex and Fiona Mendell, Edward and James McGraw and Audrey and Harry Cooper; sister Florence Engelbrecht; and rescue dog Silver. He was predeceased by his parents George and Elizabeth (née MacBride); brothers George and Robert; and sister May Brosowski. Mirv was born in Toronto on August 23, 1938, the fourth of five children born to an Ulster couple who left their homeland in the 1920s due to the political turmoil. Shortly after his birth the family moved to what was then the agricultural community of Brampton and, with the start of the Second World War, pivoted to running a full-time dairy farm. Returning veterans seeking homes on the outskirts of a fast-growing city brought rapid change to an area where old timers remembered hauling grain over split log roads. Watching this transformation shaped Mirvyn's life. He started his education in a one roomed schoolhouse. Mirvyn entered high school in a vocational stream along with the other farm kids, however his keen intelligence quickly earned him mentorship from supportive teachers and on graduation his outstanding results in the provincial comprehensive exams earned him a full entrance scholarship to the University of Toronto. There, his acute understanding - based on first-hand observation - of socioeconomic inequities brought him to the study of sociology. As he stated on his successful application for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship that financed his graduate studies at the University of California Berkeley, "In an age when half the world's population is taking the jolt of European thought and awakening to the fact of market-oriented ways existing beside their traditional cultures, I feel that the study of social variables is a fascinating and a worthy one." Mirv's academic career included teaching posts at Berkeley, Acadia University (Nova Scotia), the University of Nevada Reno and the University of Toronto. While in the USA he became active in the civil rights and anti-war movements. Twice annual cross-continental commutes sparked a lifelong passion for travel with young children in tow. Seeking a more hands-on engagement with the social causes he championed, Mirv moved to the public sector, initially with the Ontario Ministry of Health where, at OHIP, he pioneered the application of big data in fostering a unique all-encompassing econometric approach to the monitoring of physician services. It did not make him popular with doctors, however he took great joy in being able to use this data to identify, and seek resources for, underserved communities. Subsequently, while at the Ministry of Labour he did policy research into labour demographics and was especially interested in the challenges of redeploying older workers. Although he was not always an easy person, Mirv was deeply loyal. His adventures ultimately took him through most of western Europe, where he rejoiced in immersing himself in new cultures and languages. He and his wife retired to the wooden farmhouse they had built themselves with help from their family. In his final years, Mirv took his greatest joy from the natural wonders that surrounded his home in the country, once again living at the rural edge of the vibrant, and constantly changing, city of his birth. As per Mirvyn's wishes, a cremation has taken place. A private gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes or the charity of your choice. WILLOW MARIE HANNA (née DeFAZIO) July 11, 1950 - February 12, 2022 With broken hearts, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Willow Marie Hanna (née DeFazio) on February 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario. She is survived by her daughters Rachel Hanna (Matt McGraw) and Emily Cooper (Tom); step-daughter Deirdre Hanna (Peter Mendell); sister Mary Bartley; and half-sister Jane Zelonik. Willow was a loving Nana to six grandchildren, Alex and Fiona Mendell, Edward and James McGraw, and Audrey and Harry Cooper. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Elaine DeFazio, and recently predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Mirvyn Hanna, who passed away suddenly on January 16 of this year. A lifelong lover of animals, she is also survived by her rescue dog Silver. Willow was born on July 11, 1950 in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario, and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She was an incredibly kind and gentle soul, who always made time for others. Growing up, Willow spent summers with family in New Hamburg, and she always considered the countryside to be where she belonged. She was educated at Glendon College, York University, where she immersed herself in French, Latin, and fine art. Willow had successfully established a career as an Executive Producer at the CBC, but did not hesitate to step away to raise her children. She was always their biggest cheerleader. Willow was a lifelong devotee of classical music; she could always be found listening to the radio. She and her family travelled extensively throughout Europe; she loved experiencing different languages and cultures, and immersing herself in the rich histories that accompanied so many old world attractions. After living much of her life in Toronto, Willow spent her final years in the wooden farmhouse she built with her husband, where she had space to garden extensively, and take walks through the property enjoying the natural beauty. The family would like to thank Willow and Mirv's caring neighbours, Sandy and Ted Spearing and Don and Shirley Hopp. As per Willow's wishes, a cremation has taken place. A private gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate her life. Memorial donations may be made in Willow's name to The War Amps or your local Humane Society. Ta ta for now.