In Loving Memory of Samantha Christine Hanna

With unimaginable sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Samantha Christine Hanna. Samantha left this world far too soon on July 2, 2025, and had just celebrated her 17th birthday, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Born on July 1, 2008, to Kimberly and Mark Hanna, Samantha—affectionately known as Sam, Sammy, or Christine—brought endless joy and love into the lives of her parents, her sister Alexandra, and all who had the gift of knowing her.

To describe Samantha in a single paragraph would be to try to contain a sunrise in a jar. She radiated warmth, tenacity, and boundless laughter. Her heart was vast, her friendships deep, and her spirit unforgettable.

Samantha thrived on the snow-covered mountains with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Senior Snowboard Team, fearlessly competing in Big Mountain events and soaring through the air—her favorite way to "Fly High." On the soccer field, her left foot and fierce determination made her a formidable part of the Steamboat Springs Soccer Club and her high school team, helping shape a squad that was truly something special.

She held a deep love for the ocean, finding serenity 65 feet beneath its surface as a certified SCUBA diver—where she felt connected to nature's quiet beauty and wonder. Her father's residence on Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos of the Bahamas held a special place in her heart. Time spent here revolved around her love of Mom Cat and Pickles, local cats raised by Sammy herself, and scouring the white sandy beaches for little treasures Sam used to create trinkets and beautiful paintings. Her creativity knew no bounds, expressed through her art, photography, and unique jewelry designs, each piece a reflection of her vibrant imagination.

Samantha's absence leaves a space that will never be filled, but her memory lives on in the hearts of her devoted family: her parents, Kimberly and Mark; her sister, Alexandra; Larry Byvik; Janet Van Dyke; aunt Kathy Hanna; and cousins Adam (Jenny) Hanna, Lauren (Brian) Tracey, and Eric Hanna. Her Chicago family also mourns her loss, including her grandmother Terry Macey, uncle Todd Minden, uncle Rob Macey, aunt Beth Sieb, and cousins Kyle, Colin, and Sarah Minden, along with Adam and Danielle Sieb, Emily and Helen Macey.

A celebration of Samantha's life will be held on Thursday, July 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill ski area. In honor of her compassionate spirit, donations may be made in her memory to REPS at yampavalleyreps.org.

🌸

We invite you to join us in honoring the beautiful life of Samantha Christine Hanna. The memorial service will begin at 4:30 PM on the back patio of Olympian Hall, with time for food, refreshments, connection, and healing after the service.

🪑 Seating

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on the grassy hillside at the base of Howelsen Hill.

Speakers and immediate family will be seated on the paved patio area.
Handicapped-accessible seating will be available near the lodge on the poma side for those who need it.
🍽️ Food

Local BBQ will be served. If you feel moved to contribute, salads, fruit, or desserts are warmly welcomed.

🥤 Beverages

We'll have lemonade, iced tea, and water available. You're also welcome to bring chilled, non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, sports drinks, sparkling water, etc.) in recyclable bottles or cans. Ice and coolers will be provided—please place your drinks in the designated buckets or beneath the beverage table if buckets are full.