Obituary of Hannah Alyssa Gunderson
Hannah Alyssa Gunderson
(November 8, 1998 - November 13, 2020)
Hannah Gunderson was born in Edmonton on November 8th, 1998 to loving parents Dave and Kathy Gunderson. She grew up with older brother Cole, and sister Ashley on an acreage outside of Sherwood Park.
She attended Ministik Elementary, Fultonvale Junior High, and Ardrossan High School. She enjoyed many activities including horseback riding, swimming, skiing, and bike riding around her neighbourhood with her dog Keya.
Hannah attended MacEwan University in the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care Program and convocated in June, 2020.
Hannah contributed to community through placements at Fultonvale School and the Boys and Girls club of Fort Saskatchewan. She was employed for 3 summers, during university, at Birch Bay Ranch near South Cooking Lake as an Activity Planner.
Hannah had a passion for music and attended many, many concerts and she was able to meet Selena Gomez, and get a high five from Joe Jonas. She had volunteered with the Strathcona Public Library (doing summer reading games) and Savour Strathcona (a yearly event in Sherwood Park). She enjoyed going to yoga and attended country dance lessons at Colchester Hall. More recently she found ways to give to her community by delivering care packages during COVID, doing inspiring sidewalk chalk messages, and creating macrame rainbows. She also was a co-Vice President of Rotaract Sherwood Park. She had been invited to speak at conferences and to future university graduates about leadership and the importance of inclusive lives.
Hannah passed away on Friday, November 13th, 2020 at the age of 22. Left to cherish her memory are her parents Dave and Kathy Gunderson; siblings Cole (Lindsay) Gunderson of Edmonton and Ashley Gunderson of Edmonton; aunts and uncles Darrel (Kim) Undin of Kingman, Debbie (Kirk) Grimes of Edmonton, Cheryl (Kent) Gairns of Foremost, and Colleen (Dale) Thome of Okotoks; and grandparents Louisa Undin of Camrose, and Grant and Ruth Gunderson of Colinton; and cousins Erica Undin, Chantelle (Caleb and son Cohen) Kerney, Tyler Undin (Laura Burr), Bryce Grimes, Blair Grimes; Thomson Gairns, Erin (Nathan) Werner, and Brett Thome. She will also be dearly missed by the many friends and families her life has touched.
She was predeceased by her grandfather Rudolf Undin and Kathy’s infant brother Randy.
Hannah was deeply loved by her family and her loss leaves a huge void. Her smile and squint were cherished by many who came to know her. She was a great listener for friends and could draw people to her and unite them together. She overcame many barriers, with the support of family and friends, to live a full and inclusive life, building a legacy and a path for others to follow. Many have told her family how she influenced their lives and impressed on them just how much could be accomplished with a big dream, a bit of courage and a lot of love. Her family is also so grateful for those who have helped to uphold their vision of a good life and helped Hannah not only to belong, but to contribute to her community.
Due to Alberta Health Restrictions, a private family service has been held. Interment has taken place in the Kingman Cemetery.
To view a recording of the Funeral Service, please follow the link below:
Link: https://vimeo.com/482343553/d1f8d82531
If family and friends so desire, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Hannah's memory may be made to Inclusion Alberta (which has supported Hannah’s passions and inclusive life in community) or to a charity of one’s choice.
