Doris Rowe Haslwanter

The world became a better place when Doris Rowe Haslwanter was born on February 27, 1926. She grew up during the Great Depression in Prairie Center, Kansas with five siblings - two brothers and three sisters. Despite being extremely poor, her family was rich with love. Indeed, Doris lived an eventful life. After graduating high school, she moved to Chicago where she met and married a WWII fighter pilot named Clem Sousa. When the war ended, they moved to Japan where Clem served as a Sabre Jet pilot. Ironically, Clem was accidentally killed on base the day the Korean War began. Doris returned to Kansas and delved into work with Merle Norman cosmetics. She relocated to Southern California where she eventually met her second husband Louis Haslwanter. With so much love to share, Doris and Lou adopted two girls – Lyn Louise and Karen Ann in 1962 and 1965, respectively. The Haslwanter family called Laguna Beach, California home and enjoyed living near the coast in Emerald Bay. Lyn and Karen later married and had children of their own, blessing Doris and Lou with seven beautiful grandchildren: Ryan, Tyler, Kyle and Kelsy Pickell and Jake, Nathan and Claire Hamman. Doris’ most treasured role was that of grandmother - “Mayma.” Anyone fortunate enough to cross Doris’ path, knew she was special. She had an infectious smile and laugh and relished in amusing sayings such as “Hold your hats and don’t stand up!”; “99 years from now we’ll never know the difference”; and “Toodeloo!” Doris’ faith in God never waned, her love was unconditional, and her presence was nothing short of magical. Though Doris lived to be 91, it wasn’t about the years in her life that counted. It was about the life in her years, and the joy she brought to so many people. Doris will be sorely missed but is forever a part of the fabric of our lives. Doris wasn't fond of black but loved her pastels - peach, pink, light blue and lilac. At the service, her family will be wearing some of Doris' favorite colors and invite the guests to do the same in remembrance of Doris. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doris’ memory to Samaritan’s Purse or the Alzheimer’s Association: http://sampur.se/2A02dmt http://act.alz.org/goto/dorishaslwanter