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BORN
1966
DIED
2021
Hannah Sims Obituary
September 18, 1966 - March 20, 2021
Hannah Elizabeth Sims, age 54, passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Nayarit, Mexico, due to a sudden-onset, catastrophic illness. Born Sept. 18, 1966, in San Jose, Calif., to Charles Arthur Sims and Shirley Sims (nee Small), Hannah started life as the youngest of five children. A long-time resident of, and family law attorney in, Berkeley, Calif., Hannah was known as a tenacious and passionate advocate for women (especially those in abusive situations), people with mental illness and the homeless. "Hannah lived far more than most ever will," said her husband, James Larkins. "She had compassion, a contagious smile, devastating wit, boundless heart and charm. She was a good friend. We are blessed by her memory, spirit and values."
Hannah graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in political science, before earning her juris doctorate at the College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law, Williamsburg, Va. Described by family members as "a force of nature," Hannah had no time for liars, fakes or time-wasters. "She was the most radiant and generous person most of us will ever know," said Mr. Larkins. Hannah is survived by her husband, James Larkins; children (with Robert Bush) Emmet Bush and Charles Bush; step-children Tyler Larkins and Madelyn Larkins; father Charles A. Sims; step-mother Nancy Adams; mother Shirley (Sims) Hall; siblings, Mark Sims, Murray Sims, Heather Sims and Matthew Sims; and a large extended family. A Zoom memorial will be held April 11, and an in-person memorial will be announced and held once possible.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that contributions be made in Hannah's name to Narika, a nonprofit organization that promotes women's independence, economic empowerment and well-being by helping domestic violence survivors with advocacy, support and education (Narika.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hannah Sims
Lisa Kang
March 22, 2025
Hannah! I miss you! I still think of you as my number one advocate, and as my dear friend. Things we talked about still impact me now:
A Redditor
December 10, 2024
Although some time has passed since Hannah left this world, I wanted to express my condolences and share my thoughts with you. Reading about her life, contributions, and beautiful memories shared by others is a testament to the lasting impact she made on everyone around her.
I hope the passing time has brought some measure of comfort as you cherish the memories and legacy Hannah left behind. Please know that her story and spirit continue to touch the hearts of many, including those who didn´t have the privilege of knowing her personally.
Thank you for sharing this with us so we could get to know her a little better. <3
Greg Kidd
March 24, 2024
To a spirted woman with a zest for life
Liz (Schmutzer) Riant
March 10, 2023
Hannah was my childhood best friend. I met her in ballet class when I was 9. She spent two summers with me visiting my father in Spain and we were each other´s maid of honor at our weddings.
I live in Colorado and I just tried calling her to "catch up" and learned she is gone. I can´t believe it.
She was vivacious and unique. I can´t adequately articulate the loss and grief I feel. I can´t imagine how devastated her family must be.
I am so, so sorry.
This picture was taken the last time I saw her. It was in Boulder, Colorado. Summer of 2020.
Lisa Kang
February 24, 2023
This is Lisa Kang. I would like to invite family to get in touch to share memories. I would also like to share how Hannah impacted my life, in celebrating her life. [email protected]
Laurie
January 26, 2023
I just googled Hannah's office info for a friend and was stunned to find that she has passed. I was one of many women she went to battle for. In fact, I commonly referred to her as my Battleship. This world has lost a good one. My sympathies to her family and loved ones. My heart aches for you.
Greg Kidd
March 22, 2022
Hannah, you are missed and loved.
Lisa Kang
March 22, 2022
Hannah, I thank you for helping me to live without regret. Everything you did for me and said to me made me want to live my life to the fullest, so I could look back and say I did my best, with nothing to hold back. I didn't know until after you passed that you were such a strong advocate for people like me. I thank you for using all your experience and skills to contribute to my life and my daughter's. You are the most empowering person I have ever met. I will carry a bit of your love with me forever.
Daryl Myers
March 22, 2022
Hanna and I met while attending a funeral for a mutual friend. A nine year divorce proceeding that saw three judges and my own attorney reach retirement was another burden I bore that day when I sat down in the memorial service next to Hannah. God works in mysterious ways when we share our thoughts with a complete stranger that held a sympathetic ear and a law degree. Thank you Hannah.
Greg Kidd
May 8, 2021
Hannah, ty for your open heart and amazing wit.
Greg Kidd
May 8, 2021
Jim Larkins
April 11, 2021
A tribute to the life of Hannah!
https://spark.adobe.com/video/GvV3BlH8cqS21
Bryan Miyagishima
April 10, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Daryl Myers. Oroville California
April 5, 2021
Hannah and AJ literally saved my life. A long term convoluted divorce was soon resolved once she accepted my case. I am eternally grateful! She will be missed by many that didn’t have the pleasure to meet her! Our deepest condolence to her family and all she loved.
Jackie B
April 2, 2021
Hannah will be greatly missed! She knew how to empower women and I owe her so much for her legal help and advice. Rest In Peace dear Hannah! You will never be forgotten!
Jackie Gray
March 29, 2021
No words can adequately express our sadness. Hannah’s life was snatched away too soon. Mike and I are sending our condolences and love to Jim, Emmet, Charlie and all of Hannah’s family, Jackie.
Lisa Kang
March 29, 2021
She listened to me, she knew me, she advocated for me. Everything she did was for me and my daughter. She spoke and acted with integrity, always. I am forever changed by our friendship.
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