We are heartbroken to announce that Ariel Sheola Hanratty, 43, of Brookline, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday January 12, 2026 after suffering a cardiac emergency a week ago. Born in Newark, NJ on May 1st, 1982, Ariel faced a deeply complex set of medical challenges and met them from the start with incredible strength and resilience.

She met the love of her life, Ray Hanratty, and they were married on November 11th, 2011. A few years later, they brought their beloved daughter, Payton Molly Hanratty into this world. Ray and Payton were the center of her life and were an endless source of pride and joy. Her legacy lives on through them.

Ariel was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity with others. She always ensured that everyone in her life received the perfect gift, for any occasion. She gave back to those in need, donating clothes, diapers and other essential items to struggling families, and served as the classroom parent at Payton's school. She loved nothing more than planning the perfect holiday gathering or birthday party for Payton; her decorations, goodie bags, and menu choices were the stuff of legend among friends and family.

Ariel cherished and nurtured her close friendships, people with whom she became close at every stage of her life who loved her deeply. She was the friend who showed up when needed through good times and bad. We are eternally grateful for the friends who showed up to be with Ariel and provide support to us over the past week.

Ariel was deeply committed to her work with the Goodman Group, an accounting firm where over the course of 20 years, she held numerous positions with increasing degrees of responsibility. She was a treasured co-worker and friend to many of her colleagues.

Ariel is survived by so many who loved her dearly, including her husband, Ray, her daughter, Payton, her mother, Judy (and her stepfather, George), her father, Richard (and her stepmother, June), her mother-in-law, Judy, her brothers Jonathan, Zach and Kay, her sister Emma, and her dogs, Leo and Cassidy. They and countless others will miss her every day for the rest of their lives.

The family is forever grateful for the skill, compassion, and support of so many doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals at Children's Hospital of New Jersey, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Boston Children's Hospital, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, who allowed her to live her beautiful life. We are also forever indebted to the first responders who came to Ariel's assistance in her hour of need. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Boston Children's Hospital Child Life Services Department .

Visiting hours will be held in the Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home 376 Washington St., Brookline on Thursday January 15, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Funeral service and interment will be private.