Hannah Crossley loses battle with cancer - Community invited to celebration of Hannah's life
Goshen After a courageous battle with cancer, Hannah R. Crossley, a sophomore at Goshen High School, died on April 19 with her family by her side. She was 15. The daughter of William A. Crossley and Rebecca M. (Hess) Crossley, Hannah was born Aug. 12, 1992, in Corona, Calif. A family statement reads: “Another turn in the road, another battle in the war and as always, Hannah was just being Hannah.’ Thoughtful of others, kind to all, looking to the future and spending the day. Our daughter was blessed with great strength, courage and determination with her ability to always look forward. Hannah was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 10. Though the last years were filled with treatments, surgeries and medications, she never complained or asked Why me?’ and never lost that beautiful smile.” Hannah was a Girl Scout in Troop 579, a member of the Mock Trial Team of Goshen High School, captain for Challenger Team Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society, and honorary member of the Dikeman Engine and Hose Company of Goshen. She is survived by her mother and father, Becky and Bill Crossley, at home; three brothers: Nathan, Colin, and Austin, all at home; her paternal grandparents, Bob and Joan Crossley of Pindale, Wyoming; maternal grandparents, Robert and Amalia Hess of Cary, Illinois; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation was held Thursday, April 24, at the Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen, and will be held again from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 25, for special family members and friends traveling a great distance. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 21 Still Rd., Monroe, with Pastor Dwayne Mau officiating. Burial will be held privately with the family in Hamptonburgh Cemetery, Hamptonburgh. To share in Hannah’s journey you may visit her Web site at www.hannahsjourney.com. The family says anyone should feel free to leave the family a message. The message board already includes an outpouring of comments from a community that has over the years fallen in love with the warm, funny, and high-spirted girl who introduced herself on her first blog on Jan. 19, 2006, with the words: “Hi, this is Hannah.” The family has posted on the site: “We have finalized the arrangements to celebrate the wonderful, full life of Hannah. Yes we are celebrating her life. It is our strong belief that the 15½ years of joy and laughs, tears and successes, love and devotion do not fade away on one sad day of death. We are hoping that you will feel comfortable in joining us for this celebration.” In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hannah Crossley Foundation, c/o Key Bank, 50 N. Church St., Goshen, NY 10924. Arrangements are under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home. For directions, please visit donovanfunerals.com or call 294-6422.