Mary Ellen Haan, 90, of Rochester Hills, passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2019. She was born June 23, 1928 to the late Herman and Doris Wyngarden. Ms. Haan graduated from East Lansing High School and Michigan State University. In the 1970’s, as Executive Director of the YWCA in Pontiac, she was a pioneer for women’s issues as she was instrumental in establishing a rape crisis center and domestic violence shelter for those in need. She then moved onto a career in real estate from which she retired at the age of 88. She was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Spartans and enjoyed her involvement with the Rochester Hills Public Library and Camp Miniwanca. She is survived by her son Robert George Wasserberger of Rochester Hills, daughter Laura Wasserberger Darkins and son-in-law Adam Darkins of Garrett Park, Maryland, grandson Kyle Wasserberger of Auburn, Alabama, granddaughter Jesse Soule Gleason of Wallingford, Connecticut and loving niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, William James Wasserberger. A time of visiting, remembering and celebrating her life will be held from 2-6 on Sunday June 23, which would have been her 91st birthday, at Pixley Funeral Home, Rochester, Michigan.
