CLINTON, MI — With heavy hearts and tearful remembrance, the community of Clinton, Michigan is mourning the passing of Hannah Smith, a remarkable young woman who touched the lives of so many with her quiet strength, unbreakable will, and radiant spirit. Hannah passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on July 4, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7)—a rare, degenerative genetic disorder that ultimately robbed her of her sight and speech, but never her dignity, determination, or soul.
She was only in the beginning stages of her life, yet in her short time on earth, Hannah taught the world volumes about perseverance, love, and what it truly means to live with grace in the face of adversity.
A Brave Journey Marked by Love and Resilience
Hannah’s diagnosis with SCA7 brought tremendous physical and emotional challenges—ones that many adults would struggle to face, let alone a teenager. And yet, through the storm, Hannah emerged not as a victim of her condition, but as a symbol of courage and quiet defiance.
She lost her ability to see, to speak, and to move with ease, but she never lost her will to live, her thirst to learn, or her ability to inspire. Through sheer determination, she graduated high school, mastering braille and continuing her education long after the world might have expected her to give up.
Friends and family recall how Hannah’s presence could light up a room, even without words. She had a way of smiling that made people pause. Her resilience was matched only by her humility. She never asked “why me?”—she simply faced each day with quiet bravery and deep gratitude for the love around her.
A Bond Beyond Words
Hannah’s journey would not have been possible without the tireless devotion of her mother, Toni Smith, who stood beside her every step of the way. Toni was not only her caregiver, but her fiercest advocate, her emotional rock, and her greatest source of comfort.
The bond between Hannah and Toni was visible in every shared glance, every unspoken exchange of love and support. Their relationship was a testimony to what it means to truly show up for someone, day in and day out, with tenderness, patience, and unwavering belief.
Now, in the wake of unimaginable loss, Toni faces a world without her daughter, even as she continues to hold up Hannah’s memory with pride and profound love.
Remembering a Life That Mattered Deeply
Though Hannah’s body was fragile, her spirit was mighty. She taught those around her the value of persistence, the power of love, and the importance of never taking a single moment for granted. Her life was not defined by her illness—it was defined by her strength, her sweetness, and her extraordinary ability to connect, even when words were no longer possible.
As family and friends gather to honor her memory, there is a shared understanding that Hannah left the world better than she found it—with her gentle presence, her silent strength, and her unspoken wisdom.
A Call to Support and Remember
In this time of profound grief, a fundraiser has been created to support Toni and the Smith family—to help cover expenses and provide a way for the community to honor Hannah’s memory through tangible acts of care.
Those wishing to contribute can do so by donating to the fundraiser or sharing Hannah’s story. Every act of kindness helps preserve the legacy of a girl who faced every battle with a heart full of courage and love.
Forever in Our Hearts
Hannah Smith’s journey on this earth may be complete, but her story continues in every life she touched. In the silence she endured with strength. In the obstacles she overcame with grace. In the mother who loved her fiercely. And in the community that now comes together to carry her memory forward.
Rest peacefully, Hannah. Your light shines on.