Obituary of Dr. Hanna Z. Mieszczanska

Dr. Hanna Mieszczanska 

Brighton – On May 29, 2026 at age 59. Hanna, also known as Ania to her closest loved ones, is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Richard Mieszczanski; children, Michael Mieszczanski and Julia Mieszczanska; mother, Maria Krajewska; father, Walter Krajewski; numerous relatives and friends spanning from the U.S. to Poland, Canada, Peru, France, Germany and many other countries. 

Dr. Hanna, as she was known by her patients and many others, affected everyone that she interacted with in a deep and profound manner. She deeply cared about and loved people. Her vibrant and generous nature, her joy and positivity, her warmth and genuineness, her compassion and empathy, made everyone that she met feel valued, special, and loved. For over 20 years, her patients would travel far distances in order to be treated by their beloved cardiologist, as she sat with them not only to discuss their health concerns, but also the circumstances of their lives and who they were. Dr. Hanna always went above and beyond what was expected, treating her patients as complex, varied individuals, and taking a genuine interest in their lives and their families. She formed many lasting friendships with her patients and deeply mourned them when they passed. 

Dr. Hanna was also an accomplished teacher, academician, and author, with decades of service to the community. She had an incredible drive for excellence, and once she set her mind to something, it was almost impossible to stop her. As a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Women’s Heart Program at URMC for many years, she had the opportunity to teach, mentor and inspire future generations of cardiologists and other medical professionals. She invited many of them into her home and formed enduring relationships with them.  Her passionate interest and work in the field of women’s cardiovascular health, which she considered a topic that had long been neglected in a field dominated by men, eventually led to the publication of two books and her leadership as the chief of the Women’s Heart Program. Her impact and legacy in this area are profound. 

After her colleague Dr. Velarde’s departure, she took over the medical student exchange program between URMC and UNMS in Lima, Peru. She became a mentor and motherly figure to many students and impacted them both personally and professionally in ways that are too numerous to list. She was also very strongly involved in the medical student exchange program between URMC and UJ in Krakow, Poland. Before arriving in Rochester, incoming students were made aware by their predecessors of Dr. Mieszczanska’s presence in Rochester who would take a personal interest in them. To all these students and so many others, she offered professional mentorship and advice, but also personal enrichment. Taking them sightseeing in the Finger Lakes or Niagara Falls, evenings by the dinner table and piano, salsa lessons, and numerous other unique experiences. 

“Ania” brought people together from all over the world, people from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic groups, people of all ages, and from different fields and professions. She was passionate about learning Spanish to better communicate with not only her patients, but the Latin community at large. She deeply loved people and loved life. Her vibrant energy was intoxicating. She was an integral member of the Polish community here in Rochester and longstanding member of the Saint Stanislaus Kostka faith community. 

The true extent of her impact is nearly impossible to quantify. Her energy and vivacity were endless, and there will never be anyone like her again. The imprint that she made on all our hearts is everlasting, and it was a blessing to have loved her and been loved by her.  

She is irreplaceable.  

Her loss is immeasurable.  

She was truly one of a kind. 

Family and friends may call at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home, 570 Kings Hwy South, Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Her Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, 9:30 AM at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1124 Hudson Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. Interment will take place in Poland, where she was born and raised. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Hanna's memory.