Hanna Kyrcz Dec, a beloved music teacher and pianist, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 68, after an illness. Born on August 5, 1956, she grew up in Tychy, Poland, and developed a deep love for music from an early age. Her father, a clarinetist and esteemed local music school director, recognized her perfect pitch and played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent.

Hanna was a dedicated and accomplished musician, graduating in 1975 from the Karol Szymanowski High School of Music in Katowice. She furthered her studies at the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Krakow, earning a Master of Arts degree in Theory, Conducting, and Composition in 1982. With resolute and steadfast dedication, she devoted her life to music education.

Hanna, or Hania to all who knew her, had an extraordinary ability to inspire and nurture musical talent. She guided her students with patience, passion, and profound wisdom, instilling in them not only technical skills but also a deep appreciation for the beauty of classical music. Her students remember her as a mentor, a friend, and an unwavering source of encouragement. Through her teaching, she shaped countless musical talents, helping them discover their potential and develop a lifelong love for the piano.

Her favorite musical pieces reflected her personality and deep emotional connection to music. Among them were Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, “Pathétique” (Second Movement), Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” from Suite Bergamasque, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 (Second Movement), Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 (Second Movement), and Rachmaninoff’s Élégie in E-flat minor, Op. 3, No. 1. These compositions resonated with her soul and formed the foundation of her musical philosophy.

Hania’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She is survived by a sister and family members in Poland and the United States. Her influence, however, transcends familial ties—she will live on through the students she mentored, the music she cherished, and the lessons she imparted.