Karen Evelyn Haas

Born on December 20, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Kenneth and Marjorie Brundage, Karen lived a life defined by strength, love, and unwavering kindness. Known affectionately as “Mimi” to her family and friends, Karen’s warm presence and independent spirit touched everyone she met. Her quiet strength and determination shone through in all she did, always ensuring she was never a burden to others. A devoted wife to her late husband, William “Bill” Haas, Karen stood by his side for 52 years until his passing in 2022, building a life filled with love and laughter. Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Throughout her journey through life Karen had many adventures. Traveling around the globe with her husband Bill, moving to North Carolina, enrolling at Meredith college and attaining her degree in Interior Design at 55 years old, and countless more.

Karen’s love for nature was evident in her passion for watching bluebirds outside her kitchen window, tending to her gardens, spending time with her children’s dogs, and traveling with family on trips to the mountains, the coast, and elsewhere. Her face would light up as she shared the wonder of tiny baby bluebirds with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, carefully lowering the bird house from its pole outside her window to show the precious lives inside. She would constantly add new plants to the gardens around her house, ever proud of the vibrant colors and beauty that surrounded her home. While sitting on her porch, she would take in the wonders of mother nature and chat with friends and neighbors, or call loved ones just to catch up.

Her joy of entertaining was unmatched, whether it was a family birthday, holiday, a simple dinner with friends, or even a few weddings, she made sure everyone felt special and welcome in her home no matter the size of the gathering. Ever ready with a warm hug for anyone who would take it, her gentle patience and beaming smile made every moment in her presence unforgettable.

Through the recent year, Karen privately battled cancer which started in the gallbladder and eventually spread to her liver and other organs. Letting only her immediate family know of her diagnosis, she fought with every ounce of strength she could muster, always thanking her doctors and nurses, telling them she would try to do everything possible to win her endeavor. Throughout her brave fight, her faith, resolve, and courage remained steadfast as she tirelessly battled her prognosis yet ultimately fell to its merciless hold.

Karen’s legacy of kindness, independence, and love lives on in her children, Tyler Haas (Joan), Danielle Mayer (Jason), and Brandon Haas (Julie); her grandchildren, Kacie Burton (Chris), Preston Haas, Savannah Hawkey (Jon), Grace Mayer, Ryan Mayer, Sydney Haas, and Will Haas; and her great-grandchildren, Christopher Burton, Jaxx Burton, Emersyn Gustafson, Tyler Hawkey, and Evelyn Hawkey. She is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Marjorie Brundage, her brother, Kenneth Brundage, and her husband, William Haas.

The family will receive friends and guests on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St, Apex, NC 27502. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513, followed by a burial at Montlawn Cemetery, 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603.