It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the sudden and tragic passing of Hannah St. Cyr, a first-grade student at The Park School of Buffalo.
Hannah was a bright light in our Kadimah Scholars family—her joyful spirit, boundless curiosity, and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Though she was young, Hannah had an extraordinary gift for making those around her feel special, seen, and loved. Her warm smile and infectious laughter brought sunshine to the classroom, and her natural empathy made her a cherished friend and classmate.
Hannah was a vibrant and compassionate child, full of energy and promise. Whether it was helping a classmate, making a new friend feel welcome, or creating colorful drawings that she proudly shared, Hannah approached life with enthusiasm and tenderness.
Her teachers recall her eagerness to learn, her wide-eyed wonder, and her constant readiness to share kindness. For many of us at Park School and within the Kadimah Scholars community, Hannah was not just a student—she was a source of joy and a reminder of the beauty that children bring into the world.
This loss is devastating, and the sorrow is felt profoundly throughout our school, our synagogue communities, and beyond. Hannah’s passing is a tragedy that shakes us all. In moments like this, we turn to one another for support, comfort, and strength.
As a Jewish community, we embrace the tradition of mourning together, of holding each other up when we are at our lowest, and of finding meaning in memory, even in the face of unspeakable grief.
Hannah’s mother, Ashley St. Cyr, is a deeply valued member of our Kadimah Scholars family. As a dedicated member of the board, Ashley has given so much of herself to supporting Jewish education and helping our children grow in their identity and values.
Her love for the community has always been evident in her actions, and now it is our time to offer that love back. We extend our arms and hearts to Ashley, her husband Doug, and their entire family as they walk through this unimaginable loss.
We mourn with them. We cry with them. And we pray that they find comfort in the embrace of this community and in the enduring memory of their beloved daughter.
A funeral service for Hannah will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at Temple Beth Tzedek, located at 1641 N. Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at [btzbuffalo.org](http://btzbuffalo.org), allowing our wider community to honor her memory from afar.
Shiva will be observed on Sunday from 3:00–5:00 PM at the home of Hannah’s grandparents, Bruce and Marianne Wisbaum, located at 60 Contessa Ct., Williamsville, NY 14221. All are welcome to come and offer support, share memories, and join together in mourning this beloved child.
In lieu of flowers, the St. Cyr family has asked that donations be made in Hannah’s name to The Park School of Buffalo Scholarship Fund, a gesture that will help other children experience the joy of learning that Hannah so dearly loved.
May Hannah’s neshama have an aliyah—may her soul be elevated—and may her memory always be for a blessing. We will carry her light with us, always.
