Hannah Rose LaPenta

Hannah Rose LaPenta, born May 31st, 1999, passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2025. In her 25 years, she touched more lives than can be measured. Those who knew her loved her deeply - and she loved them even deeper. She radiated energy, light, and laughter, beaming with love and care for everyone lucky enough to know her. Her quick-witted humor could leave a room breathless, whether from laughter or awe. The heartbreak of losing her at just 25 is immeasurable. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her memory will remain fiercely present in the hearts of everyone who loved her.

Hannah graduated from Tolland High School in 2017, then earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina. She graduated in 2022 with a double major and near-perfect GPA - but more than that, with a community that bloomed around her. Her presence had a way of drawing people in, nurturing connection wherever she went.

Hannah had a true passion for helping others. She channeled this into a goal of becoming a nurse - and what Hannah wanted, she got. As such, after working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she applied into a rigorous accelerated nursing program at the University of St. Joseph. Of course, the program enthusiastically admitted her, and Hannah dove in headfirst. She studied (and studied, and studied), flourished academically, made close friends that felt like family, and was on track to graduate this August. But her success wasn’t only in her grades - though she maintained an A average - it was in the way she cared. She saw her patients as the real people they were - taking the time to sit with them, chat with them, make them comfortable, and make sure they never felt alone. That’s just the way she was.

In her free time, Hannah loved walks outside, laying out in the sun, going out to eat, and mostly, spending time with the people she loved - her family and those who were like family. And if she wasn’t with them in person, she was on FaceTime, texting, or calling - always checking in, always making sure you felt important to her. She also loved to shop (and had closets of outfits to show for it). Hannah brought her happy, lighthearted spirit to every moment - she loved to have a good time. Whether that manifested in wildly unexpected pranks, offbeat jokes, or spontaneous adventures - you knew it was going to be fun. Wherever Hannah was, people wanted to be.

Hannah was fiercely loyal. To be one of Hannah’s “people” was to be protected, valued, and adored. She showed up. Every time. She’d stand up for you (in any means necessary). She’d give you the shirt off her back, hold your hand when you needed it most, and do whatever it took - it didn’t matter. She made those around her feel important, cherished, seen, and loved.

Hannah loved her family more than anything — she was their fierce protector, constant companion, and loyal friend. There wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t give or do for them. She shared a uniquely close bond with her mother, brother and cousins (her other “siblings”) and built on a lifetime of memories: summer swims, mischievous adventures, racing to the ice cream truck, countless sleepovers, Sunday dinners, and holidays full of laughter and love.

She is survived by her beloved mother, Tammy LaPenta; her brother and best friend, Dominic LaPenta III; her loving boyfriend, David Busch; her cousins who were her “other siblings”: Grace, Joseph, Sean, and Eve Reilly; and her aunt and uncle, Kim and Joseph Reilly, along with other loving family members: aunts, uncles, cousins, and her “chosen” family. She was cherished by many close friends who brought light, laughter, and lasting companionship to her life. Hannah is now reunited in heaven with her father, Dominic LaPenta II.

May our sweet angel rest peacefully and be surrounded by heavenly love.

Services will be held at D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Tuesday, June 3rd. Calling hours will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Hannah, to honor her life and mourn her passing. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com