Sylvia Hannen

Sylvia Ann Hannen was born on December 7, 1935 in Chicago. Her mother Marcella (Schroeder) Schmieg was a bookkeeper and her father William Schmieg managed a hardware store. The middle of five children, with two sisters and two brothers.

Sylvia died in her sleep under hospice care on Sunday January 5, 2025. Her body was donated to the WSU School of Medicine.

Sylvia is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Russ Hannen, PhD, LTC USAF (Ret) and engineering professor emeritus at Wright State University. “Marrying Russ was the best decision that I ever made”, Sylvia recently stated. And by her sons & daughters-in-law: Andrew, Paul & Kim, Tom (deceased) & Debbie, Matthew.

At age 18 on her first weekend in Dayton she went to a Sacred Heart Church picnic sponsored by the youth adult group where she met 23 year old Russ, an AF officer stationed at WPAFB. One year later they were married on June 11, 1955. She enjoyed the AF community. Tours led to two year assignments in Columbus and Albuquerque, finally returning to Dayton.

Sylvia is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Jamie & Kim Hannen, Jennifer & Tom Wiest, Amanda & Austin Marshall, Adam & Mary Hannen. And her 8 great-grandchildren: Jonah & Aiden Barker, Austin & Avery Marshall, Zander & Elianna Wiest, Declan & Shaffer Hannen. Also survived by her sister-in-law Tess (Partlow) Schmieg, brother Stan Schmieg and numerous nieces & nephews.

For many decades, baking, cooking and hosting frequent family dinners gave her great pleasure. Holidays and birthdays included. Christmastime was her favorite. Her home was a first stop by children trick-or-treating on Halloween. Sylvia dressed as a friendly witch, and handed out tiny toys and stuffed animals she collected throughout the year.

Sylvia’s career and interests were varied, trailblazing and adventurous. She traveled all seven continents and countless countries, both professionally and for pleasure. Recently, she gave a presentation on Antarctica to her great-grandson’s class. She worked in banking and brokerage offices. Sylvia was a strong feminist, ardent civil rights organiser, AIDS activist and LGBTQ+ rights pioneer. Her compassion and love were limitless.

Sylvia’s community of dear friends at Traditions of Beavercreek, will miss her welcoming smile, keen wit and spirit of generosity. As will her numerous mall walking friends at Fairfield Commons.

At age 15, Sylvia qualified as a licensed Chicago YMCA life guard by test-rescuing an uncooperative swimmer in Lake Michigan. An athletic swimmer, she trained and swam at the same top level as her male colleagues. She thoroughly enjoyed her teenage years in Chicago, as completely as her adult life while in Dayton and traveling abroad.

Sylvia was proud of choices made by her adult children, their spouses, and the impactful lives they lead. Her adult grandchildren are forever grateful for her longtime generous support and reassurance. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love that will forever resonate. She inspired her entire family to have fun and an actual purpose. A life truly well lived.

She continued to make new friends under hospice care. Minutes after getting Sylvia settled in her room, the nurse told her family "I'm already in love with your Mom".

A celebration of her life will be held on January 16 2025, with visitation from 2-4 pm and memorial at 4 pm. At Tobias Funeral Home 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road. In lieu of flowers, donations made in her name to Ohio Hospice of Dayton are welcome.