Natasha Hanna

Natasha Hanna (nee Collins) was born on April 25,1951, in Gary, Indiana, and passed away on March 9, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
She is survived by her father, Walter “Wally” Spuck; her sister, Candy Banker; her nieces, Tawnie and Hannah; her nephew, Donavon; her godchild, Brian; and by her best friend and companion, Glenn(ie), who provided her with much comfort and many laughs over the years. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores “Dolly” Spuck, and by her beloved husband, James “Juju” “Judas” Hanna, the love of her life for 37 years.

Natasha was a writer, singer/songwriter, caretaker of many (veterans at the Veterans Home in Winchendon, a family in Belmont, as well as many friends), milker of goats, greenhouse manager, basket weaver, rubber block stamp artist and photographer. Before she retired, Natasha was an arts and music as well as special needs teacher at Petersham Center School, where she inspired generations of students with her love for music, art and dance, and with her vibrant spirit.

Natasha moved through life soaking up the universe and reflecting its beauty back to those around her. Her spirituality was quiet and steady. It shaped the way she spoke, the way she listened, and the way she moved through joy and sorrow. Most of all, it shaped the way she loved us. 

Her mantra: Love Fiercely.

Music was one of the ways her spirit moved through the world. When she sang—whether her own songs, mantras or songs of others like Patti Smith, Tom Waits, the Dead, or played her Tibetan healing bowls—music became something holy to her, a bridge between what is seen and what is felt. You could see the same spirit in her garden, where color and wildness grew together, and in the way she connected with people. Natasha had a gift for noticing who needed warmth before they asked, offering food, time, patience, laughter, or whatever love looked like in that moment.Her life touched many. Her kindness shaped those around her.

As she often reminded us, we are all just walking each other home.

And we have walked you home, my friend.

A celebration of her life will be held in the spring.