September 3, 1990 – April 6, 2022
Hannah Nerone’s life journey ended too quickly after a graceful and courageous sixteen-month bout with glioblastoma/brain cancer at home with her parents Craig Nerone and Birdie Boltz by her side. Hannah took on the challenges of brain cancer with the same intensity she did with other challenges in her life: with radiating grace, a smile on her face, and fierce determination. Hannah continually expressed “how nice people are” and was overwhelmed with gratitude for the kindness and care she received during this most challenging detour in her life.
A 2009 LHS graduate, in 2015 Hannah received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UW with the guidance and mentorship of one of her favorite people, Steven Suder. She continued her education at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, where she received a dual master’s degree in Public Administration and Education Leadership and Policy in 2019.
Hannah had several rewarding summer jobs working with middle school kids, which took her to Hyattville, WY; Washington DC; Boston, MA; and Nine Mile Canyon in Utah. After completing her master’s degree, she worked for the ACLU of Utah as a Development and Finance Coordinator. Generosity from the ACLU of Utah continually amazed “H”.
Throughout her short life, Hannah was able to travel internationally, spreading her smile abroad. She loved being outside, observing and enjoying the gifts of nature, whether she was skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, golfing, backpacking, or just going for walks to watch the sunset.
Hannah was preceded in death by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends/mentors. She has left behind family in Wyoming, Illinois, North Carolina, California, and Montana, as well as dear friends and “family” in Salt Lake City, Utah and around the country. Hannah spread light and sunshine to most everyone she met. She didn’t want anyone to be sad. Instead, she encouraged kindness and would often pose the question, “What ‘cha waiting for? Be sad for a while but then move on.” Her gentleness and wit will be tremendously missed.
Per Hannah’s request, her body has been donated to the Body Donor Program at the University of Utah.
A celebration of Hannah’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 7 at the Quadra Dangle: 3905 E. Grays Gable Road, Laramie, WY.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please send donations to the Hannah Nerone Memorial Fund, First Interstate Bank, 221 E Ivinson Avenue Laramie, WY 82072. These gifts will be distributed to causes that were close to Hannah’s heart, including academic scholarships, animal rescue, Hospice of Laramie, and with sincere gratitude, the Laramie Swim Club.
Craig and Birdie, I just read about the loss of Hannah. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am. You are in my prayers.
Hannah Marie put up such a courageous and gracious fight against her horrible form of cancer. She was and remains a "bright star" in the lives of so many other lives of the many other human she touched. Hugs and condolences to you both, Birdie and Craig. "Hannah, you certainly fought the good fight with grace and concern for others." You are deeply missed by so many of us who so admired you all the years we knew you.
I will always remember what a kind person she was
Dear Birdie and Craig, So very sorry to read of your loss of beautiful Hannah. What a bright light she always was. Sending love always. Laurie Larsen and family
Birdie and Craig, I am so sorry for your loss - and that of the world - for losing this wonderful soul. I had the pleasure of Hannah when she was in my karate classes so long ago. She was my "Student of the Month" in April 1999. I remember at our Laramie Triathlon event she so wanted to check out my "house on wheels" - my truck with the camper on the back. Ever since, I called it my house on wheels. Then there was the duathlon race when Hannah didn't quite follow the course route and you made her come up to me and confess her error. I only wanted to hug her! Most importantly, I remember her smile; that most wonderful smile. She lit up a room.
Birdie and Craig, I am so heartbroken at this news. I was so very blessed to have been Hannah‘s babysitter for the first years of her life. She was such a sweet soul. I can’t put into words how sorry I am that she left this world too soon. I’m praying for you!
My heart is heavy today, and I know everyone’s too. I wish Hannah and her family peace and comfort as they grieve over their irreplaceable loss. I pray her family finds strength and patience to cope with their loss. Please let her family know Hannah and them are in my prayers.
Craig and Birdie, I’m so sorry to learn of Hannah’s passing. I remember visiting your family up at the sheep wagon. Hannah was so little and was eating a hotdog. As she ate it the sides of the bun was sliding up each side of her face. She babysat my daughter and I remember walking in and hearing them laughing. Prayers to you and who were blessed to know sweet Hannah. Janet Renneisen
I am so sad to read this news and to know about Hannah's battle with cancer. Hannah was always so friendly, fun and joyful to be around. I am so grieved about your loss. Craig and Birdie I know how much you both cherished and adored Hannah. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Craig and Birdie, I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you both during this very hard time. I loved getting to be around her growing up at Gem City. She was always wearing a beautiful smile. I will never forget how sweet she was to everyone around. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family. Love, Vicki and Pat Heinrich.
Birdie- I am so sorry for your loss. Hannah was such a kind young person. Peace to you and Craig. Rolly Maldonado and Dona Playton
My heart fell when I saw the photo of your beautiful Hanna in the Ten Sleep Tribute. You are in my thoughts with love and caring.
Hannah met our three littles 8 years ago and they have grown with her as a steady, consistent, loving adult in their lives. She read them stories, took them on bike rides (she bought them each a special bell for their bikes that they still have), and made each of our children feel seen and loved every time they were together. She had a fantastic sense of humor and was a good friend. We loved running into her at rallies and protests at the Capitol. She would wave in her official ACLU vest and the kids would feel like they knew a famous person. Aunt Hannah will always be remembered and loved in our home. We are so grateful for every memory we had the privilege of making with her.
Birdie; Pat and I are so sorry to hear of your daughter passing. You and your husband are in our thoughts and prayers! ??❤️❤️ Deb and Pat
Birdie - I am so sorry for your loss. That child made such a big positive impact on the world in such a short time.
My heart aches to know that Hannah is gone. She was an amazing soul. I enjoyed her so much when we worked together at the courthouse. Rest In Peace sweet girl.
Craig and Birdie, We echo the condolences and prayers for you. Hannah was an amazing light and brought so much joy. We are greatful we were able to have a glimpse of her light and know her. I'm so sorry for your loss, my heart and thoughts are with you.
I will always remember here kindness and graceful smile.
Birdie and Craig I'm so sorry for your loss. Your in in my prayers.
Birdie & Craig, Often in life our lives are bettered by knowing others. Hanna was one of those people. Always a bright spot in my day. My heart is broken and so heavy. All my love to you both and all your family.
I am so sorry to hear about Hanna. My daughters Dakota and Sierra were classmates. We all thought very highly of Hanna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bridie and Craig, I cant begin to tell you how incredibly sorry I am to hear of Hanna's passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Michael and Kelsey Flores
Craig & Birdie, I heart is broken for you both. Hannah has left her mark in our world and community. She was an amazing person and a kind soul. Prayers my friend. May all the memories comfort you both in your time of sorrow.
Birdie and Craig, our hearts break for both of you. I had the privilege of meeting Hannah's smiling face and shining soul in the high school library. She left a lasting impression on me. It is so hard to lose a child, and to lose someone in the prime of her life is doubly tragic. Our hearts go out to you, and you are in our prayers. Peggy and John Benedik
Craig and Birdie; I am SOO very sorry for your loss. Hannah was a rare soul and her impact was enormous. I worked with her on the juvenile board and she was the glue that held things together. My deepest condolences to you.
Hannah was a dear friend I had the pleasure to work with her and to get to know her, her kindness will live with me forever and I'm so thankful that I got to know her and be witness to her beautiful soul, the support and friendship she bestowed on me was a gift that I will treasure always. she will be dearly miss by all.
Birdie I am so sorry to hear about Hanna. I know she was your pride and joy. A wonderful human being. May god bless you and your family. Lari Kay
I was able to watch her grow up because she went to school with some of my kids. I always loved her hair. It was beautiful. She was so beautiful, kind, smart, generous and a friend to everyone. I got to work with her again through the juvenile services board. She was so smart!! I kept up with her journeys. Always smiling when I read about her new adventures. Rest In Peace, and may everyone have a big smile on their face when we remember you. Even though it’s so sad right now. Godspeed Sweet Hannah.
Birdie and Craig: There are no words to express my sadness. My thoughts are with you. I admired Hannah very much and the world is more empty and barren without her. I send a hug and my deepest condolences.
We are so sorry for your loss! What a remarkable person you raised!
Sorry that the world has lost such a wonderful, brilliant young woman. I loved having her as a student and knew she was amazing from the first day I met her. Ed and I send you our deepest sympathies.
So sorry to hear of this, may you find Peace❤️ Maureen King
My heart aches!! Hannah was such a ray of sunshine. Always willing to help anyone without hesitation. Such a beautiful soul. Forever in my heart.
I am without words to express my overwhelming sadness and belief that Red is gone. We worked together on the juvenile board and Red's determination saw us through some frustrating and difficult times. Red had a rare form of courage and demonstrated that all the time. She will not be forgotten and I am most grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her. Even in the end she is still teaching by donating her body to the Uniiversity of Utah. My deepest condolences to her family.
Hannah is a dear friend, confidante, co-conspirator, and my very favorite lunch date for a gluten free sandwich. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed. Her life was too short, her impact enormous.
Oh, Birdie and Craig, my heart breaks for you in the loss of this beautiful and very special soul. No loss is as painful as the loss of a child, and I know Hannah was the light of your life. So many memories, so many precious moments--I hope they outweigh the pain her loss has brought you, Hugs.
Oh my goodness, I find myself without words to express what I want to say. From the moment I observed Hanna as she walked into our second and third grade class, I knew Hanna was someone special. As is the way of third grade girls, clicks are formed and mean things are said, and feeling are hurt. Hanna was so far above this behavior. Hanna was inclusive to all her classmates and fit in with all groups. If a sociogram was given to the class, it would show that everyone wanted to sit at Hanna’s table. She was a leader, no matter in the classroom, at recess, during our many outdoor education experiences or on the soccer field. She was thoughtful, generous, and respectful of her teachers. Knowing of my love for Basset Hounds, Hanna came by a ceramic Basset Hound and gave it to me during her third grade year. To this day, I treasure Hanna's Basset in my collection. Craig and Birdie, you raised a remarably talented daughter. Our thoughs are with you, may your hearts be at peace.
Jeff and I send our deepest condolences. We will always remember the little girl that we use to babysit.