Norma Hannan

Apr 24, 1937 -

Jan 3, 2026

Norma Hannan lived a life, curious, adventurous and unmistakably her own. She passed peacefully on Jan. 3, 2026.

Born in Colorado, Norma moved to Alaska when her father joined the Alaska Railroad. She graduated from Anchorage High School and went on to study for three years at the American University of Beirut. Norma earned a degree in education and spent 40-years teaching at Eagle River Elementary School.

Norma married Leo Hannan in 2000. Together they shared laughter, travel and a home alive with warmth until Leo's passing in 2015. In later years, she chose awe over fear, flying with her newfound companion, Herb. Norma was a lifelong adventurer, traveling to places such as Egypt, South Africa and Australia. She was an accomplished skier, scuba diver and photographer. Wherever she went, Norma had a rare ease. She listened with real interest, asked thoughtful questions and made people feel accepted rather than evaluated. Her authenticity gave others permission to relax into their own.

Norma is survived by her children, Marc, Robin, Joe and Kim; grandchildren, Cade, Colt, Callie and Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Mercy and Oliver; Leo's daughters, Sarah and Ellen; and his granddaughters, Amy and Mellisa.

Norma's love lives on through her family, her students, her friends and the animals and strangers she quietly lifted along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., on April 11, 2026, at the Alaska Center for Spiritual Living, 929 E. 81st Street, Anchorage, AK 99518.