The writer and director died on Tuesday evening (June 26) following complications arising from leukaemia. She was 71 years old.
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Ephron was known for her romantic comedies, including two of Hanks's most popular films Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail.
Hanks has written a touching piece on Ephron for Time magazine, describing his experiences working with the late filmmaker.
The 55-year-old actor praised Ephron's 1992 directorial debut This is My Life, describing it as an "ideal debut film that sparkled with bits of genius" and a major reason why he wanted to be in Sleepless in Seattle.
Hanks wrote: "Knowing and loving Nora meant her world - or her neighborhood - became yours... For a wrap gift, she would send you a note saying something like, 'A man is going to come to your house to plant an orange tree - or apple or pomegranate or whatever - and you will eat its fruit for the rest of your days.'
"[My wife] Rita and I chose orange, and the fruit has been lovely, sweet and abundant, just as Nora promised - a constant and perfect reminder of the woman we loved so much."
The actor is just one of several celebrities who have spoken about Ephron since her death. Friends and admirers like Albert Brooks, Steve Martin, Juliette Lewis, Kirstie Alley, Nicole Kidman, and When Harry Met Sally star Billy Crystal have paid tribute to the late screenwriter, author and filmmaker.
Watch the trailer for You've Got Mail below:
Photo gallery - Nora Ephron 1941-2012 - her life in pictures:
Nora Ephron, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind When Harry Met Sally, died yesterday (June 26) at the age of 71.
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