Sylvia Hannula's Obituary
Sylvia Hannula, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a friend to many in her community, passed away in the early morning hours of March 6 at the age of 94 in Tacoma. She was born on October 8, 1930, in Poulsbo, Washington, to Severin and Karine Olsen, who had emigrated from Norway. Norwegian was the language of her childhood home, where she grew up with her older siblings Gunhild and Selmer.
She graduated from North Kitsap High School, where she lettered in softball, before continuing her education at Washington State College in Pullman. It was there that she met the love of her life, Richard 'Dick' Hannula of Aberdeen. They married in 1950 and made their home in Tacoma, where they became members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church from its founding in 1956.
Sylvia paused her education to focus on starting a family, but once her youngest reached elementary school, she returned to her studies with determination. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree and teaching certification from the University of Puget Sound. Her perseverance and commitment to education were an inspiration to all. She went on to become an adored kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, where she nurtured her students with patience, kindness and humor for 25 years.
While Dick built an international reputation as a swim coach, Sylvia was his steady partner, supporting him both at home and abroad. Whether keeping things running smoothly while he traveled with the team or accompanying him to competitions and coaching clinics around the world, they were a remarkable duo—complementing each other’s strengths and sharing 75 years of love and partnership.
Sylvia had a gift for making people feel at home. Their house became a gathering place filled with warmth, laughter, and home-cooked meals. She was a gracious and thoughtful host, welcoming not only family and friends but also international visitors from the swimming community. Her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. Above all she made sure that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always knew they were deeply loved.
Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Dick, and their four children and their spouses: Daniel (Margaret), David (Kathryn), Richard (Kathleen), and Debra (David). She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the warmth and love she brought into their lives.
A funeral Mass will be held on March 17 at 11 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Tacoma. Reception to follow at the parish hall. A Rosary will be held at 7PM on March 16 at Mountain View Funeral Home.
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