Savonnah Sarah Hanelius

Savonnah Sarah Hanelius, 23, passed away unexpectedly in her home in South Saint Paul, Minnesota on April 16, 2023, leaving behind grieving family members in both Minnesota and Connecticut. Savonnah was born on May 17, 1999 and was adopted by her loving parents in 2009, while living in Arizona, along with her brothers, Derrick Hanelius and Devin Hanelius. Her father, Jayson Hanelius and her mother, Jenna Konior are both natives of Connecticut, and they moved the family to Hebron in 2010 where the children were joyfully welcomed by new grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. When Savonnah was 19, she reconnected with her biological family, and within a year (and with Jayson and Jenna's understanding and support), she moved to Minnesota to reestablish relationships. She was well loved by friends and family both there and here in Connecticut.

Savonnah went through the Hebron school system for a number of years and finished her education through both home and private schooling. She then earned a certificate in phlebotomy and also a certificate as a Medical Assistant (CMA). She attended Hope Church in East Hampton, where she helped her mom with children's ministry. She also loved helping her dad, who is a coach at RHAM, as a wrestling team manager.

Savonnah will be remembered for her smile, her laugh, the joy she could bring into any room, and most of all for her love for babies. Sadly, she leaves behind her own baby, Za'Kiya, whom she adored with her whole heart.

As hard as it is to include this portion, as her parents, we feel it is important to allude to what happened. Although it is difficult, if it helps to save one life or save one family from immense grief, it is worth it. We want to remind people of the horrific impact of fentanyl, and to say to anyone who may read this that it is a hidden evil, prevalent in so many substances, even the ones that are deemed "not that bad". It is never worth taking the chance. Ever. It leads to nothing but heartache. This tragic and sudden loss brings sadness to so many. Yet for our Savonnah, we believe that she held on to the simple yet profound message of her Christian faith in which she was raised - that Jesus paved the way for her through His sacrifice for all of us. That brings us great hope that one day, we will be reunited in Heaven.

Memorial services will be held both in Minnesota and in Connecticut. Local friends and family are invited to attend on Tuesday, May 2nd at The Worship Center, 99 Marjorie Circle in Hebron, Connecticut 06248. Visitation with the family will be between 5:00 and 6:45, and a memorial service will begin at 7:00. Guests are welcome to attend either or both. Light refreshments on site will follow.

In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, please consider making a donation in Savonnah's memory to His Mansion Ministries, 395 Wolf Hill Road, Deering, NH 03244.