Hanna Hassler, 83, died July 5th at Bruns House Hospice in Alamo, California after a short illness. Her six children were at her side.
Hanna and her husband John, both originally from Omaha, Nebraska, moved to Hollister with their four children in 1960. Two more were born in Hollister.
She was a devoted mother, serving as Brownie Troop Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother and PTA Classroom Mother. She led Great Books discussions for adult and school age groups. She always remembered, from a lively discussion on Rumplestiltskin, a first grader’s fresh take on the fairy tale: “Now, honestly, who could spin straw into gold?” If anyone could, Hanna could.
She had a beautiful voice and filled the house, and the car, with song. She knew a million songs and a million verses to each one. No one could keep up. She held season tickets to San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre, but also arrived opening night at San Benito High School Drama Club productions long after her last child had graduated. Her laugh was infectious and any local cast knew that if Mrs. Hassler was in the audience, the show would be, or at least sound like, a hit!
She was a tireless worker and supporter of Democratic candidates and causes. Representatives Sam Farr and Leon Panetta knew to call Hanna when it was election time in San Benito County. The Democratic Central Committee honored her in 1997 for a lifetime of service and dedication.
Her commitment to improving the lives of San Benito County children and families was evident in her volunteer work with Community Services Development Corporation of San Benito County and the Community Action Board.
Hanna was pre-deceased by her husband John in 1993. She is survived by sons Wade of Aromas; William (Bill) of Eureka; Peter of San Francisco and Andrew (Andy) of Hollister; and daughters Molly and Sarah of San Francisco; and three grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial of Hanna’s life on Sunday, July 27th at 1:00 P.M. at the IOOF Hall, 330C 4th Street, in Hollister
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Community Pantry, 1133 San Felipe Drive, Hollister, CA 95023.
