It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished Hannah after a courageous 2 year battle with breast cancer. She leaves behind her loving fiance, David Barclay and her devoted family; her mother, Cynthia McDonald, her father, Tom Defalco and her brother Alex Defalco (Victoria). In addition, Hannah is beloved by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to mention individually.
While her time with us was sadly cut short, in her 28 years Hannah lived a rich and expressive life. Her beaming smile might have been the first thing many people noticed, but it was her ability to make people feel comfortable and accepted that was one of her true gifts. Her drive for new exeriences was expressed through her participation in the aerials and circus community, while her love of her passport and adventures brought her around the world. However it was here, closest to home, that her love for others may be seen in the rich circle of friends she knew since childhood, who still count her as a close and dear friend.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON) on Thursday, February 8th from 4-7pm. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center or Oncology Department where Hannah received excellent and compassionate care.
Digital Guestbook
Olivia Carey
Anne and Clint Lefebvre
Hannah’s huge smile made an impression on me the first time my brother introduced us. She literally lit up the room. But she also was such a real, down-to-earth, and positive person too. The kind of person you feel you’ve known forever even after just meeting her. We will miss her dearly.
Elaine Henderson
Dear Cynthia, Tom and family,
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your daughter Hannah. Thinking and praying for all of you during this very difficult time.
Elaine and Howard
Nathalie Major, Dominique, Emmanuelle and Sebastien Cook
Hannah was the sunshine of her Shadow Hill group of friends. Agreed, with her contagious smile, laugh and such positive and dynamic energy she always managed to keep the group uplifted. There are no words to describe the emotion of her departure. She will be so missed and we will continue to hold her dear in our hearts.
Hannah and you as a family will remain in our thoughts. Please accept our condolences
Nancy Defalco
If there is a bucket list in heaven, I know Hannah has already made one and is having a blast plotting her next adventure:)
Love always, Nancy xoxo
Samantha Ridge
I was fortunate enough to meet Hannah through an adult soccer league in June 2021, before she was diagnosed. Our team meshed together by the end of that season and we had decided to continue to play together for the couple years after that. Even through her diagnosis, she was a light to have on our team and was so nice to have her around. I am so grateful to have got to meet her and spend many summer and fall sunday afternoons playing soccer. She truly was such a kind soul who did not deserve to be taken this soon. Sending my condolences to her family! Dream Team will truly miss our keeper, Hannah.
Karen and Paul Morin
How blessed we were, to be among a group of parents who were able to experience all the energy and enthusiasm that Hannah brought to every occasion or event. She was kind, beautiful, strong, compassionate, unique, loyal, honest, talented, and so much more. We will always remember Hannah. We will talk about her often and continue to share fond stories of Hannah. Our heartfelt condolences to Cynthia, Tom, Alex, David and all those who loved her.
Tracey Powers
Hannah Defalco was an irreplaceable gift bestowed to us by the universe. Hannah will always be in our hearts and minds
Sandy van Zyl
Dear Cynthia, I am so very sorry to hear about your daughter's passing. I am sending you and your entire family a huge hug and my condolences.
Hannah was truly special. Her zest for life and love for new experiences was remarkable. I experienced her immense kindness and positivity as she was my roommate on a class trip to Italy in high school, and then later when our paths crossed again through a mutual interest in aerial and circus arts. Thank you Hannah for your uplifting presence in my life and many others' lives.