HANNA SCHONTHAL

1960 - 2020

SCHONTHAL, Hanna Born April 17, 1960, died of cancer on December 2, 2020. Hanna was born in New York City to Marie and Paul Schonthal. Shaped by the grit and energy of Manhattan, in her late twenties Hanna made a home in Boston where she spent many happy hours riding her bike through the Arnold Arboretum. A fiercely intelligent woman with diverse interests and capabilities, Hanna worked as a physical therapist, as well as a science writer, a reference book editor at Houghton Mifflin, and a curriculum editor at WGBH. As a physical therapist, Hanna led a life of service, going above and beyond to better the lives of her patients. As a writer and editor, she nourished her love of language. In her late fifties, she went back to school and received her certificate in teaching English as a second language. A bold decision, this career proved to be most rewarding, combining her propensity to uplift others with her love of language and her respect for people and their stories. Hanna was the beloved mother of Emilia and sister of Michele, as well as a cherished and inspiring friend, mentor, role model, and teacher. Hanna will be remembered for being willful, warm, funny, radiant, adventurous, selfless, captivating and quick-witted; a hard worker, a creative problem solver, a fearless learner and an avid reader. Hanna blazed her own trail and was a beacon of light for many. Please consider a donation to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. A Memorial Service is being planned for the Spring.