Hannah T. Shrand

Mom, age 86, passed away peacefully with family members at her side on April 12, 2022, at the Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, MA. Mom was the daughter of Sol and Mariam Soman, born on January 25, 1936, in Tampa, FL. As a young girl, she was physically active, taking great delight in participating for several years in her high school’s majorette squad. She also loved bowling and playing golf. Mom was blessed with many creative talents; watercolors, needlepoint and crochet were a few of her favorites. She also loved playing the piano.

After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1953, Mom married Edward Tackeff, moved to the Waban section of Newton, Massachusetts and had three children, Steven, Patti and Eric, all surviving her, including Eric’s daughter Nicole. She later married her beloved late husband Hyman Shrand, a pediatrician and artist. Others surviving Hannah are her sister Charlotte; Hyman’s children Joseph and his wife Carol; their children Sophie, Jason, Galen and Becca; and Lana and her husband Bob; their children Julia and Mark; and Julia’s children Harper and Bennett.

In the early 70’s, with a discerning eye for beauty combined with sharp business acumen, Mom launched her career as an antique dealer, specializing in antique French dolls, all fitted with ornate attire and accessories. She found her niche with antiques, opening her shop, Hannah’s Antiques, in Newton Highlands. Her unrelenting quest to find the next treasure at a flea market, an antique store or an auction was her passion. Mom was valued for her knowledge and expertise, and her willingness to mentor others.

Mom took great pleasure in creating a beautiful home environment, elegantly adorned with Japanese panel screens, Oriental rugs, African masks and American folk art portraits. She artfully blended a variety of decorative motifs. Her frequent quests were treated to a museum quality assortment of beautiful objects originating from all corners of the globe.

In the late 80’s Mom and Hyman relocated to North Truro, a quaint village on Cape Cod. During these years, besides enjoying the pristine beaches, meticulously caring for her garden and attending doll club meetings, Mom became active in organizations supporting the creative efforts of local artists and actors. Her philanthropy was deeply meaningful, giving back to a community that gave her so much joy.

Kevin Rice, Executive Director of Payomet Performing Arts Center, said: “Hannah was an anchor of support from the beginning in myriad ways, from running a huge art auction, to launch and pay for the first tent, to hosting parties in her home.” And Christine McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer at Provincetown Art Association and Museum, had a few recollections to share: “Whether she was volunteering for the Garden Tour, attending an event, submitting art to an upcoming show or helping to curate an exhibition of her late husband, Hyman - Hannah did it with style and grace,”

Mom also deeply cared about animal rights and their welfare. Donating her time and resources to a local animal shelter, CASAS, was a labor of love. She had a special affinity for cats - Nikki, Charlie, Hyperion, Gandolph, Isabel - to name a few of her beloved feline friends that took up residence on her bed. A bookcase would not be complete without a shelf full of books about cats.

Anita Butler, a CASAS volunteer, fondly remembers Mom’s love affair with cats: “She loved their beauty, their gracefulness, and their mystery. Hannah understood the many facets of their personalities, their subtleties and elusiveness. Hope is held that all cats should experience a person as extraordinary as Hannah.”

Mom lived a joyous, active life. And in death, as the final days approached, she exemplified the virtues of dignity and poise. Her presence is deeply missed and remembered fondly.