Lanette Joyce Kinnaird

Lanette Hansard Kinnaird, 63, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Her passing followed a monumental, twenty-six-year journey of courage and determination as she fought against a rare and unrelenting cancer. For nearly half her life, Lanette met every challenge with an extraordinary grace and a fierce, unwavering spirit that left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

A Life of Faith, Love, and Boundless Strength

Born in Waco, Texas, on July 5, 1962, to Donald and Janet Hansard, Lanette possessed a spirit as bright as the summer day she was born. Above all else, Lanette’s deep and personal faith in God was her greatest source of strength. It was the foundation upon which she built her life and the wellspring of hope that sustained her through every season.

Her life was defined by an absolute devotion to her family and friends; she was the steady heart of her community and the light of her home. Lanette’s professional life was as vibrant as her personality. She was a woman of many talents who built impactful careers as a Fitness Professional, an HR Professional, and the owner of a very successful photography business. Whether she was inspiring others toward vitality or capturing the beauty of life behind a lens, she brought a unique blend of empathy and grit to everything she touched.

Throughout her life, Lanette’s resilience was nothing short of heroic. She refused to be defined by her illness, choosing instead to focus on the deep, meaningful connections she nurtured. Her life was a masterclass in hope; she faced every day with a smile that never faded, anchored by the conviction that she was never walking her path alone.

Lanette often said her family was her strength, but in truth, they were a team. Her husband John loved her as fiercely as she loved him. Her children—Nicholas, Maris, River, and Aidan—supported her with a devotion that matched her own. They walked every step of the journey with her, providing the laughter, care, and steady presence that fueled her spirit. She lived fully, loved deeply, and proved that a heart fueled by faith is far more powerful than any challenge.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Lanette's "Village"

The Kinnaird family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals who walked this long road alongside Lanette. They are forever thankful for the care provided by Dr. Jing Li at MD Anderson in Houston, as well as their family physician Dr. Sidney Robin, Dr. Jeff Forio, and the team at Texas Oncology in Austin. A special note of gratitude is shared for the nurses and staff at Hospice Austin for the peace and comfort they provided in her final days.

Beyond her medical care, the family is profoundly grateful for Lanette’s "village." She was surrounded by a community of dear friends who were a living testament to the power of faith. These friends were her prayer warriors, meeting with her on a regular basis to lift her up in spirit. Their constant visits, steadfast prayers, and acts of kindness provided the spiritual fuel for her journey and immense comfort to the family for nearly thirty years.

Family

Lanette’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Janet Hansard, with whom she is now peacefully reunited in the presence of her Lord.

She is survived by:

• Her loving husband: John Kinnaird, her dedicated partner of 30 years. John was her steadfast support through every step, and their marriage was a beautiful testament to "in sickness and in health."

• Her children: Nicholas, Maris, River, and Aidan. They were her heart and her most dedicated supporters, standing by her side with extraordinary love.

• Her grandchildren: Elody and Luke

• Her brother: Karl Hansard

• Her aunt: Dolletta Schimmel

Honoring Lanette

Lanette’s legacy lives on in the laughter of her children, the photographs she took that will be cherished for generations, and the quiet moments of remembrance shared by John, his family and her friends. Her journey served only to highlight the immense reservoir of courage, faith, and love she carried within her. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit remains a guiding light.

To honor Lanette’s memory and provide a lasting legacy for her children, the family invites you to donate to Hospice Austin.