Hannah Josephine Rooney Medow Hope
Saturday, March 7, 1992
Date of Death:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Age:
33 years old
Saturday, March 7, 1992
Date of Death:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Age:
33 years old
Saturday, March 7, 1992
Date of Death:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Age:
33 years old
Hannah Josephine Rooney Medow Hope
Hannah (Medow) Hope, 33, of Rochester, MN, died at the Mayo Clinic on February 24, 2026 after a valiantly-fought 4 year battle with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jon Hope (and their dog, Archie), her adoring parents, Fr. David and Jane Medow of Rochester, MN and her ever-loving brother, Nikolai (Katlynn) of Anoka, MN, her mother-in-law Kristin Hope-Morrow (Michael Morrow) of The Villages, FL and her brother-in-law, Michael (Michelle) Hope of Rochester, NY., also many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends from around the world, most notably in the UK, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Ghana, and Ecuador.
Hannah was born March 7, 1992 in Joliet, IL. She spent her formative years in Plainfield, IL. She graduated from St. Mary Immaculate Parish School in Plainfield, Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, IL, St. Xavier University in Chicago (BA Major: Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Minor: Sociology), and National Louis University of Chicago (EdS School Psychology). She worked as a School Psychologist in the Public Schools of Anchorage, Alaska and Rochester, Minnesota, mostly lately at Harriet Bishop Elementary School in Rochester. In both places she was recognized as a valuable member of the School Psych team and a leader in her field. In her work Hannah touched the lives of hundreds of students and their families. She was deeply respected by her colleagues, who relied on her for her professional skills and wisdom.
Hannah was a woman of abiding and passionate Catholic faith. At St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield she took on various tasks: Bulletin Editor, Youth Ministry Coordinator, Receptionist, Choir (she loved to sing!), and Vacation Bible School Music Coordinator. Her faith and heart had a great impact on the life and people of the parish. In college she worked as a Cantor for Masses, in Reverence for Life, Peace and Social Justice groups, and in Campus Ministry. Her faith and the values of the Church were always at the center of her life. This was true in her family life, her relationship with friends and her professional performance. One current colleague referred to Hannah as “true Salt and Light.”
In May, 2022 she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. At times her medical team were concerned for her survival. But Hannah always fought cancer with a spirit that was indefatigable. Her oncologist referred to Hannah as “robust”. She earned this reputation through enduring surgeries, radiation treatments, nearly 50 rounds of chemotherapy as well as recently undergoing Immunotherapy at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD. She has been blessed with outstanding medical care from physicians, nurses and technicians both at Mayo and the NIH. Their most compassionate treatments and care provided Hannah with years of life that she lived to the full despite the many challenges that came with her wide variety of treatments.
Hannah loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. She was a great friend to many. There are scores of people who consider Hannah to be their “best friend.” Her family simply adored her and admired her as an able, confident, skilled, compassionate, effective person and professional who was straightforward in communication, endlessly loyal as a friend, fiercely honest, abidingly faithful. Since her early teens, many of her peers sought her out for counsel and advice; she was invariably helpful.
Throughout her cancer journey, she always publicly displayed her fighting spirit and uncomplaining nature. There were times when her pain or ongoing physical struggles would get the best of her for a few hours…that’s when she relied on the love and devoted help and presence of her loving family.
By the grace of God and the skilled care of her doctors and nurses, Hannah’s death came gently, free from pain or anxiety; she was surrounded by her loving family and intimate friends who sang and prayed with her through their own struggles in saying goodbye to Hannah. All of us who love her trust in the promise of God that we will see Hannah again and “enjoy her friendship forever.” May God grant to Hannah the fullness of grace and mercy, the joy of being free from cancer, the peace of seeing God face to face and the solace of being reunited with loved ones and friends who left this world before her.
The Funeral Mass for Hannah Medow Hope will take place on Tuesday, March 3 at Holy Spirit Parish in Rochester, MN. Visitation begins at 9:00 am with the Mass beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will take place later that day in Oakwood east Cemetery. There will also be an evening Memorial Mass for Hannah on Monday, May 4, at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield, IL.
Eternal Rest grant to Hannah, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon her. May Hannah rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to establish a future memorial fund for excellence in School Psychology in memory of Hannah Hope. Contributions may be sent to Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901, payable to the order of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, with “Hannah Memorial Fund” noted in the memo line.
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The family of Hannah Josephine Rooney Medow Hope has received the following condolences.
My condolences to the family. A sweet soul. May she rest in peace.
Dear David, Jane and family, there are no words to express our sorrow to learn of your loss. I and my family extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to you all at this very difficult time. Although we cannot be there to offer our comfort in person, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we send you much love.
Please accept my sincerest and deepest condolences for your loss.My heart is with you as you mourn the loss of Hannah. She was a beautiful presence in this world, and her memory will always be cherished. Wishing you strength and peace during this incredibly difficult time.
Father David and Jane,
We will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer. May you find joy through the tears as you share her stories and memories. Hannah was an wonderful gift from God and will continue to be a light to the world. May God grant eternal peace to Hannah.
Jackie, Ashlynn, and Riley Puppe
Milan and Alice Wiertzema
Hannah came to the Anchorage School District as a school psychology intern and then went on to begin her career as a school psychologist. I had the opportunity to watch her grow from an intern to one of the most incredible and dedicated school psychologists. She was passionate about her work and she was so dearly loved by her schools. It was sad to see her go but understood the need to be near family and medical services after her diagnosis. Hannah was a woman of great faith and positivity. She had a smile that I will never forget. I am so grateful our paths crossed and I had the opportunity to know her. Sending comfort and love to her family who I know are heartbroken with this loss.
Linda Self
What a pleasure to have known Hannah and to have had the opportunity to see her in action. Her compassion, talent and dedication was always forefront. She was loved and respected and showed a strength and positivity in the face of overwhelming difficulty. She was lovely. I pray for peace and comfort for all her loved ones, and count myself fortunate to have had her light shine on me, if only for a short while.
We are so sorry for the loss of dear Hannah. Praying for strength and comfort as she begins her eternal life in heaven. Prayers and love from the Pitel family and extended Schubert family.
Hannah was truly the best and had the most kind, genuine soul. She touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. I am sending you all so much love, healing, and strength during this heartbreaking time.
Love & Blessings,
Ashley Augustin
Lord have mercy on you all
I had the privelege of working with Hannah at Harriet Bishop as a Special Education Teacher during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. We had wonderful conversations about our shared Catholic faith and love of music and singing. My Dad passed unexpectedly shortly before the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. Hannah's kindness and compassion toward me as I struggled with overwhelming grief, someone she just met, really stood out to me. I also remember her gratitude toward attending her husband's RCIA mass as his sponsor at the Easter Vigil mass in 2024. She was concerned that her surgery and treatments would prevent this. I was amazed how much gratitude she had for the health she DID have. I last saw Hannah in June, 2025 because I retired from teaching. Hannah was in great spirits and very hopeful. She told me she would probably have to be on some form of chemotherapy for the rest of her life. I told her I would keep her in my prayers. Hannah truly put so much good into the world and blessed so many lives. She is greatly missed.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Hannah.
We are truly heartbroken by this news. Although we did not have the privilege of knowing Hannah personally, we came to know her father closely as our pastor. The loving stories he shared about his family always brought smiles to our faces and reflected how deeply he cherished each of you.
Please know that we love and care for your entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day during this incredibly difficult time.
Condolences to all the family on your loss of Hannah. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Joe Smith
All our respect to an incredible, strong, and courageous woman who fought for life to the very end.
Ann & Family .. Wales
All the respect to an incredible, strong, and courageous woman who fought for life to the very end.
Ann and family … Wales
We are heartbroken over Hannah’s passing, yet so grateful for the beautiful way she lived and trusted the Lord through every step of her journey. Her kindness, courage, and gentle spirit were a gift to all of us. Kristin and I look forward to the day we will see her again in His presence.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’ve been following Hannahs journey for a while and she’s definitely a fighter! She will be loved & missed by so many.
-Thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
May the blessed Mother of Christ Jesus show you to the abode of her son, and may he embrace you with his loving arms in peace. Through eternity now, you will sing!
We are praying that the Lord pours down His Loving Peace and Comfort during this time. We and the entire River of Glory Church congregation send our condolences for your loss. Theresa and I and the entire church family will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers
In Him the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastors Pete and Theresa
River of Glory Church
Our deepest condolences and prayers for Hannah and the family. A special light unto the world now finds peace and rest in heaven. May God bless you all and be with you in this time.
Blessings and prayers,
Michael and Julie Krivich
What a beautiful tribute to Hannah. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Father David and Jane,
One of the many mysteries that I hope we discover when we meet the Almighty is by what design He takes our precious children from us, and how it fits into everything. The pain that your Hannah and the both of you have endured for the past 4 years is a pain that we cannot even fathom. With her now at peace, she is now everywhere and a part of everyone, and we hope that provides you with a modicum of reassurance and peace yourselves.
The Earth's axis has shifted for the both of you, but we and the rest of the parish and community are here for you. Since you came, we feel very grateful and blessed that Holy Spirit called to you, and the love and guidance the both of you have given us thus far - with many more years of the same to come for sure.
All our love and respect,
Nathan, Victoria, and Lena (5th grade)