Connie Hanna

Connie Hanna, 56, transitioned to a dimension undiscovered to us all on April 9 in Duck, North Carolina. For many, she was a jewelry artist, spiritual guide, wedding officiant, and close friend. For a few, she was a rock n roll vocalist, life partner, and mother. Alone,  she journaled copiously and fried bacon like no body’s business.

Connie was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, an ultimate 1960s flower child. She came East in the 1980s to earn a BS from Old Dominion University with Honors in Psychology. While at ODU she took jewelry design class that inspired her towards her prominent artistic life and also met a Theater Professor that romanced her (& vice versa) into intimate family life. Both pursuits proved complicated and rewarding for her, as they have for many before and after.

Connie opened and managed The Connie Hanna Jewels in Ghent and Bead Your ART Out in Duck. She later began her selling bead collection online at ETSY (continuing now as Caladonia March) while discovering a fresh passion for selling classic automobiles. Connie belonged to several of the area’s formalized enquiry centers, especially including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and she was an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church. More typically, she pursued her journey within private groupings, often under her own direction. Her daily spiritual practice typically closed in amen, ohm, and last call.

Connie’s survivors include her son Jesse and her husband Chris (Norfolk), siblings Kim Johnston and Steven Johnston, with Steve’s children Ben and Sara (Santa Cruz), and her adoptive brother Chris Grey (Virginia Beach). A celebration of her life will be held at the Wells Theater in Downtown Norfolk on May 16 at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations towards keeping the Connie Hanna Dream Alive are being joyfully collected through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, 101 W. Main Street, Suite 4500, Norfolk, Virginia  23510 or given online at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=e5fe9a

Connie chose to peacefully end her own life in the face of medical concerns eventually threatening to her mental capacity. While her family is pained by her decision, we support the personal courage and integrity of her act. She was an individual through her last. ‘Good night sweet princess and may flights of angels attend thee to thy rest.’ (HAMLET).

Condolences to the family may be expressed via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services Inc was entrusted with  arrangements.