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Hanna Perkins is saddened by the recent loss of two close friends and associates — Ruth Hall and Phyllis Wapnick — whose lifelong dedication to children and education reflected the very heart of our mission. They both embodied the values that define Hanna Perkins — empathy, curiosity, respect and a deep commitment to children’s emotional lives. Their work and friendship enriched our community immeasurably, and their legacy lives on in the children, families and colleagues they inspired.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends, and we honor their many contributions with gratitude and love.

Ruth Lois Hall, 93

Ruth Hall, who passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2025, was a longtime member of the Hanna Perkins professional community. A speech pathologist and child psychoanalyst, she devoted her career to helping children find their voices — both literally and emotionally.

Hall, who retired from Hanna Perkins in 2019, earned her degree in Special Education from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University. She went on to dedicate decades of service as a clinician, educator and mentor, touching countless lives through her expertise and compassion. Her intellectual curiosity and humanity also found expression in her published work, “Love First Learned in a Lady’s Eyes: A Psychoanalytic Developmental Study on Shakespeare and His Works.”

Those who knew Ruth remember her not only as a brilliant and generous professional, but as a person of great spirit and adventure — one who shooed a bear with a broom, photographed whales from a raft, and took up scuba diving with hammerhead sharks at age 68. She brought the same sense of courage and curiosity to her work with children, families and colleagues at Hanna Perkins.

Hall is survived by her sister Ardena Plourde; two sons, Eric (Leigh) Hall and Karl Hall; grandchildren, Deanna, Linda, Kevin (Jillian Sollars), and Lisa Hall; two great–grandchildren, Nina and Conor Murray. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Ruth Grannis; her husband Sven Richard Hall; siblings, Harold, Mabel, Marian, Robert, Catherine, Frank, and Esther; and her granddaughter, Sarah Hall.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5–8 p.m. at Ferfolia Funeral Home in Sagamore Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Hanna Perkins Center.

Phyllis Wapnick, 92

Just days later, on Nov. 6, 2025, longtime Hanna Perkins preschool teacher Phyllis Wapnick died peacefully, surrounded by family.

She is remembered for her warmth, patience and gentle humor, which shaped the early experiences of generations of young children. Her classroom was a place of calm, creativity and care — where children learned not only about the world, but about themselves.

Beyond her professional contributions, Wapnick led a life rooted in family, education and the arts. She and her husband, Allen, shared 72 years of marriage. She is survived by their children, Eric (Pamela) Wapnick, Marla (Mark) Schwartz and Renee (Jonathan) Krivine; grandchildren Louis, Zachary, Samantha and Sarena; and many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her deeply.

A funeral service for Wapnick was held Nov. 10 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel in Cleveland Heights, followed by interment at Mount Olive Cemetery.