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Sheila D. Hanna

October 24, 1948 - September 28, 2022

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Obituary For Sheila D. Hanna

Sheila Hanna (Downey) passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, September 28, 2022, surrounded by family. Born in Carrick to parents Louise and James Downey, she loved to play in the woods, ride her bike, and roller skate til the street lights came on. She attended St. Norbert’s where she adored the nuns, and wanted to be a nun or own an orphanage when she grew up. Sheila made lifelong friends both in high school and at Edinboro College, where she studied social work. She had memorable adventures as a social worker before returning to school to earn her master’s degree in psychology at Duquesne University and beginning her career as a school psychologist. Sheila devoted her life to caring for others, including her 7 siblings, nieces and nephews, and isolated members of the community to whom she donated her time and energy. She cherished being a mother and created countless happy memories with her favorite daughter Ashley. Sheila delighted in children, dancing, being outdoors, and making people laugh. She will be dearly missed by her “little monster” Ashley, surviving siblings Jay and Paul Downey and sister Rose Marie Bailey, caring sibling-in-laws Connie Downey and Paul Cord, former husband Michael D. Hanna, Jr., dear friend Bob Miller, many lifelong friends, loving nieces and nephews and their children who knew her as (self-appointed) Aunt Sheila the Great. She would like to be remembered with a smile and a laugh. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Visitation will conclude with family reflection and bag pipes. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263

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  • October 04, 2022

    Barbara A. Clark

    I met Sheila in the 5th grade of St. Norberts School in Overbrook/Carriek. I only lived in the Pittsburgh area for 5 years before moving back to New England. Through the years we have remained the best of friends, traveling back and forth to each of our home areas every few years. We traveled to Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, all of the New England States, etc. A truer friend one could never ask for. I spent weeks with her during her medical challenges, and the sharing of laughter, tears, happy and sad memories will remain with me always. My deepest condolences to the Downey and Hanna families. Her deep faith and love of her family was always of importance to her, and she was truly blessed to have all of her close families and friends by her side through the challenging years. Barbara (DesMarais) Clark, Mendon, MA.

  • October 02, 2022

    Carol Kasten

    I first met Shelia at Edinboro State College. We were in the class of 1970. Although we lost contact after graduation I was kept in the loop by our mutual friend Eileen Iorio. Over the years I heard about Sheila's life. Rest in peace dear Shelia.

  • October 02, 2022

    Georgiann Kocherzat

    I am sad to hear about Sheila passing away. I tried to reach out to her about a year or 2 ago but never heard back on facebook. We use to live in Chatham West back in the late 70's She lived with Eileen Conway at the time. Please extend my condolences to Michael Hanna. He might remember me from years ago. I really don't know anyof the family members. God bless her soul. Words can't express how I feel right now for her loss. My name is Georgiann. I live in the moon township area.

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