Debra LaVonne Hanna, lovingly known as Deb, Hon, Nanny, Peck, Peckles, and Mom, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Rush Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 72. Debra was born March 26, 1953, to Clayton and Nell (Tincher) Marshall. She was born and raised in Valparaiso and graduated from Washington Township High School in 1971. She later earned her undergraduate nursing degree from Purdue Northwest and her master’s degree from the University of St. Francis.
On August 14, 1971, she married the love of her life, William Hanna. Together they built a life marked by steadfast love, loyalty, faith, and devotion to family. Deb was a loyal wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and she and Bill shared an immense love for their children and grandchildren.
Deb was a highly accomplished nurse and leader who never lost her compassion. Throughout her career, she served on the first open-heart team at Porter Hospital, worked as a head cardiac nurse for a good portion of her career for Dr. Marchand and then served as clinic manager at the cardiac center in Valparaiso, and later became director of hospice nursing for the VNA. She was respected not only for her knowledge and leadership, but for the way she made patients feel cared for, seen, and valued. Her patients loved her, and her employees still speak of her as the best boss they ever had.
Her faith in Jesus Christ was at the core of everything she did. As an attendee of Heartland Christian Center, Deb lived out her faith by serving others constantly, giving freely to anyone in need, and making every person she met feel special, loved, and welcome.
Deb’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. There was no length she would not go to for them. She was always in the front row for their activities, celebrations, and milestones, while also treasuring the ordinary moments: dinners together, conversations at her home, teaching them to drive, taking forgotten items to school, driving them and their friends to lunch or dinner, and even boarding a plane at a moment’s notice to help care for them when they were little and living across the country. She was at the center of many of their happiest childhood memories.
Her home was always open and welcoming. Family and friends walked in without knocking and made themselves at home. Deb had a rare gift for making everyone feel like family, and she was called Grandma by far more children than just her own grandchildren.
She was also a tireless caregiver to others, including caring in her home for her disabled brother-in-law, and faithfully caring for her mother in her final years. People knew they could count on Deb day or night for comfort, help, and unwavering support.
Deb absolutely loved Christmas, and giving gifts was one of the great joys of her year. She delighted in creating special memories for the people she loved.
She is survived by her husband, William Hanna; son, William (Christian) Hanna, daughters, Michelle (Grant) Andres, and Rebecca (Mike) Willard; grandchildren: Madison, Liam, and Ireland Hanna, Elijah (Lindsay Bartham), Noah, and Micah Andres, and Bram Arnett; and brothers, Mike (Terry Zmierski) Marshall, and Kim (Joanne) Marshall. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Jimmy Arnett; her parents, Nell and Clayton Marshall; and her siblings, Johnny Back, Tim Back, Paul Back, and Patty Back.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Adams Cemetery, Morgan Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sunshine Community Center.
Deb’s life was defined by faith, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. The love she poured into her family and community will continue to shape the lives of everyone who knew her.
GUESTBOOK
Oh this is so painful. Deb was so special to me. We were so close especially when we were young. She was such an inspiration to me. She loved her family more than anything. She was always talking about Mike and Kim and she loved them so much as well as her children. She was so heartbroken about Jimmy and said she was ready to be with him and I know she is having a wonderful time with him and all the family and friends who have already gone before her. She is especially excited to be with Jesus and I KNOW I will see her again soon. This is the promise we have as believers. I love you sweet Deb. I will see you again soon. -Brenda Fugate
Aunt Debbie will be SO very missed. Debbie was one of a kind with an enormous heart, and truly a class act. We know she is with the Lord in heaven. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. -Tim, Kaite, Dillan, & Taylor Marshall
Debbie, My precious cousin, we have more memories together than we could ever count! From all our school years, to being snowed in at your house for days and me having to sleep in a full size bed between Aunt Nell and our cousin Judy! You’re truly one of the most wonderful, kindest, faithful family members in my life! I love you and I look forward to spending eternity in Heaven with you forever! -Pammie (Britton) Turner
I am so sorry to hear about sweet Deb. We graduated from nursing school together in 1987. She was one of my all time favorite friends during PNC days. Such a beautiful Christian woman and genuine person. We lost track of one another after graduation but when we then ran in to one another in town or at the hospital, we took up where we left off. We believed the same about our purpose God set out for our personal and work lives. We served our Savior. I know she is with Jesus and I will see her soon. I am praying for her precious family and friends. I would love to honor her life. Thank you Lord, for giving us the gift of my fellow nurse and sister in the Lord, Deb Hannah. -Bobbi Herron Foster
This just breaks my heart to hear the news! From birth she was always mom#2 to me! There's not many childhood memories I have that doesn't have the Hannas in it!! She was a wonderful, loving, caring person who gave all to her family and many others!! Continued prayers for the family and know we are always here for you!! With love!! -Nichole clear
