Carol Joy Hann's Obituary
Carol Joy Hann, 92, passed away on August 21, 2024, at the Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, OH. Carol was the beloved wife of Herman Hann (deceased) for almost 64 years. She leaves behind daughter Jennifer Hann (Thomas Palmer) of Pittsburgh, PA, and son Charles (Donna) Hann of Medina, OH; grandchildren Nicholas and Aubrey Hann; step-grandchildren Evan Palmer (Carri Stec) and Molly (David) Keeling; and four great-grandchildren.
Carol was born in Loudonville, OH, on May 24, 1932, to Clarence and Ruth (Arnholt) Howenstine. She grew up in this idyllic, rural town, where she learned to play the piano and violin and graduated as class valedictorian from Loudonville High School. Carol’s passion for music took her to Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music in 1950. There, she became a member of Alpha Xi Delta and the Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity, in which she remained involved throughout her professional life. During her college years, Carol met the dashing Herman Hann, who would later become her husband. After graduating with her music education degree in 1954, Carol fulfilled an important personal aspiration by starting her teaching career in vocal music, and eventually instrumental music, with the Cleveland Public Schools, where she taught for 30 years. She later earned her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. In 1986, she began teaching at St. Ignatius High School, where she started the choral program and taught until her retirement in 1994.
Carol married Herman on June 15, 1957. They spent their early married life building their teaching careers and hoping to start a family, which they did after 12 years of marriage. They were also involved in their church communities at Ridgewood United Methodist Church and Strongsville United Methodist Church, where they developed a dear circle of lifelong friends.
Carol’s love of teaching music and song was central to her life. She was cheerful and energetic with her students, and they were uplifted by her enthusiasm for her craft. She encouraged her children to learn instruments and would play piano accompaniments for them during practice and recitals. She directed her church choruses and bell choirs and was a substitute organist for services. Even during the six years of her residence at Western Reserve, she directed a community band, organized sing-a-longs, and played piano for choir rehearsals and church services.
Carol was outgoing and easily made friends. She was an avid bridge player. She loved vacationing in Maine with Herman, something that they did for many years, often surrounded by family and friends. Particularly in her later years, Carol took a keen interest in news and politics. But above all, she was devoted to her husband and loved her children.
Carol was a bright spot in the lives of her many students, friends, and family, and we will miss her light.
Visitation will take place at Jardine Funeral Home in Strongsville on August 31 from 2-3 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Crossroads Hospice (crhcr.org/donate/).
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