Emily (Held) Hanna

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Emily (Held) Hanna, 51, of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our beloved Emily passed away on February 12, 2026, at Monument Health Stonecreek in Bountiful. In her final days, her family had the blessing of being able to gather and say their goodbyes.

Emily was born on September 30, 1974, to John Held and Jill Christensen Day.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 8 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests are encouraged to park and enter on the north side of the building.  The family encourages friends and loved ones to dress in a way that honors Emily’s memory—whether that means “to the nines,” in black, or as a tribute to her favorite things, such as concert T-shirts, skulls, or spiders. All gestures are warmly welcomed.

Emily was a gifted and generous artist whose creativity touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She worked across countless mediums—woodwork, sketching, watercolor, graphic design, and more—and she delighted in sharing her art with friends and family. In her later years, she found great joy in teaching, inspiring both seniors and children through her art classes.

Her artistic talents extended beyond the canvas. Emily was an exceptional makeup and costume artist, a gift that shone especially bright during her favorite holiday—Halloween—when her imagination came alive.

Professionally, Emily spent many years at the Alta Club in Salt Lake City, first as Controller and later as Membership Director. Her warmth, humor, and authenticity helped her build lasting friendships within the club community.

Emily’s vibrant spirit was unmistakable. For years, she could be spotted riding through Salt Lake City on her beloved pink moped, affectionately named the Pink Elephant—a perfect reflection of her colorful personality and adventurous heart. She was an avid music lover who treasured attending live concerts with friends and family, and a devoted foodie who relished discovering new restaurants and trying new dishes.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Christopher Hanna.

She is survived by her parents, Jill Christensen Day & John Held (Chris); her siblings, Trevor Held (Janelle), Koren Day LaPlant, Rachel Venturino (Jeremy), and Harley Day; and her beloved cat, Vladimir.

One of Emily’s greatest joys in life was being an aunt. She adored her seven nieces and nephews—Olyvia Day, Naomi Held, Alexander Venturino, Tad Held, Daniel Day, Madison Venturino, and Lola Day—each of whom brought her immeasurable happiness.

Emily will be deeply missed by her extended family and the many friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, creativity, and unmistakable spark.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nicole Anderson, Emily’s cousin, for the devotion and care she provided in Emily’s final months.  We’d also like to thank the staff at Monument Health Stonecreek for the compassionate care they provided during the final months of Emily’s life.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”