Heather Lea Sommers Hanly passed away on June 8, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her and will miss her deeply.
Born in Cadillac, Michigan, to Russ and Pamela Jacka, Heather spent her early childhood there before moving with her family to Santa Barbara in 1969.
She attended local schools, including San Marcos High School, before her family relocated to the Santa Ynez Valley, where she completed her education at Santa Ynez High School.
There, she distinguished herself both academically and athletically, excelling in basketball and forming friendships that lasted for years.
After high school, Heather attended the University of California Santa Barbara, where she earned a degree in Spanish. Her fluency and love of language served her well throughout a successful career in banking and lending in the Sacramento area.
Eventually, Heather returned to the Santa Ynez Valley, where she met her future husband Michael Hanly. Together they built a family and raised three sons Donlon, Jordan and Clayton who were the greatest source of joy and pride in her life.
She never missed an opportunity to tell them she loved them, even as they grew older, and was so proud of the men they had become.
Some of Heather’s happiest memories were made with her family during their camping trips to El Capitan State Beach, an annual tradition that brought family and friends together to enjoy each other’s company and the beauty of the Pacific.
Heather was an avid gardener who found peace with her hands in the soil. She loved creating beautiful outdoor spaces, listening to music and dancing, and she possessed an unmistakable laugh that could brighten an entire room.
Her kindness, humor, and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Despite the challenges that arose in her life, Heather possessed an incredible optimism. Even in the midst of hardship, she could tell you about a hopeful future that she envisioned.
She was not immune to sadness but chose to speak of better things to come. She envisioned a bright future where she might garden, grow her sunflowers, and gather her loved ones together.
She chose to cherish the small things that life offered: a treasure found in a thrift store, a good meal shared, a cup of coffee, and watching the birds. She spoke of these small moments with delight and appreciation and reminded others how important it was to do the same.
Heather is survived by her beloved sons Donlon, Jordan and Clayton; her father Lary Sommers (Marilyn); her father Russ Jacka (Cathy); brother Aaron Sommers; nephew Jacob Sommers; niece Autumn Sommers; and her former husband Michael Hanly.
She was preceded in death by her mother Pamela Sommers; brother Einar Sommers; and nephew Noah Sommers.
A gathering to remember and celebrate Heather’s life will be 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at Hans Christian Andersen Park site A in Solvang.