It is with deep sadness that the family of Kathleen "Kit" Hannah announces her passing. Kit
died, peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Wednesday, January 17.
Kit's life, her limitless capacity to love, and the impact she had on so many, is difficult to contain
in a snapshot. Kit had a unique ability to make acquaintances into friends, quickly resulting in
deep and lasting relationships that spanned lifetimes. Her family often jokes that Kit had several
"circles", each one believing they were the "inner circle." This is a testament to how special she
made everyone feel; She was present in discussion, asked questions to better understand,
listened openly, and albeit occasionally unsolicited, offered the very best advice and counsel.
Blessed with the gift of gab, Kit could tell stories for hours and every word was worth listening
to. The deep feeling of loss will undoubtedly ripple outward, and her family would like to express
that if you even just knew her (as Kit, Kathleen, Kitty…) you are inner circle.

A travel enthusiast, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Kit enjoyed
lengthy stays in some of the most exciting places in the world. Kit lived in Chicago for years
before returning to New Jersey to put down roots. In 1987, Kit joined the administration at
Pennington Montessori School, then a small, parent run, early childhood institution. She quickly
excelled in her supportive role, resulting in her appointment to Executive Director in 1993, a title
she held for more than 30 years. In that time, Kit's innate ability to lead with kindness and
acceptance allowed her to make necessary improvements, bring on Montessori trained
teachers, grow enrollment, and ultimately, Kit is responsible for the school's reputation of
excellence, today. Her commitment to nurturing the relationship between a child's home life and
school life has had an indelible impact on generations of Pennington Montessori School
families.

For all of her personal and professional accomplishments and huge network of friendships, Kit's
greatest joy was family. Predeceased in death by her parents, Rita and James Hannah of
Montclair, her sister and brother in law, Dianne and Jerry Mills of Cedar Grove, Kit is survived by
her three children and their spouses, Casey and Diana Christensen of Ringoes, Danielle and
John Lynch of Montclair, and Tony and Amanda Christensen of Maplewood, her brothers and
sisters in law: James and Leslee (Jackson) Hannah of Bound Brook, Stephen Hannah of Austin,
and Patrick and Sue (Szilagyi) Hannah of Hopewell. Of all her nicknames, Kit was perhaps most
proud to bear the name Sugar (Sugie) to her adoring grandchildren: James and Aidan
Christensen, Hannah, Callaghan and Andie Lynch, Flora and Hazel Kathleen Christensen, her
latest granddaughter bearing her namesake—something Kit found infinitely touching. Kit had an
especially close relationship with her nieces and nephews for whom she was not only an aunt,
but a friend: Jeffrey, Ryan (Erin), and Sean (Gabriella Risatti) Mills, Brendan (Amy) Hannah,
Jamie (James) Hannah Moody, Zachary (Megan Dowling) Hannah, Gillian (Jessica) Hannah,
Daria Hannah, Tori Hannah and Ali Hannah.
Kit should be remembered for her deep love of life, family, friendships, and making an impact,
however large or small, each and everyday.


In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kit's name to:
WOMANSPACE : Kit believed strongly in protecting families affected by domestic violence and sought,
through her volunteerism and outreach with Womanspace, to be an advocate to those in need of support
and services within her community.

SINGLEMOMSTRONG: We all understand the need for a safe community and strong support when
raising children and for a single mother like Kit was, that need is ever more important. Please consider
being a beacon of strength for other single moms, by making a contribution, in Kit's memory, to this
wonderful charity.

Visiting hours Tuesday, January 23rd from 5-8pm at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove St, Montclair. Funeral service Wednesday, January 24th at 2pm at First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Ave, Montclair.