Mary Jane Haas

Mary Jane Haas passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the incredible age of 100! She was born on January 1, 1925 in Racine, WI to Anthony and Barbara Miller, and grew up with three lucky brothers – Milt, Dick, and Jim, next to the Root River. She graduated from Park High School in 1943.

Mary met the love of her life, Bill, at the Fireman’s Ball in Racine and they married in 1947.

Bill’s profession as a chemical engineer took them to Madison, WI, as well as Beaver Dam, WI. Soon after they settled in Milwaukee.

Mary and Bill had four children: David, Teresa, Robert and Kathleen. Mary was a very loving, devoted and accepting mother. She was very active in the St. Margaret Mary Catholic parish. Among her many contributions, Mary sang in the choir, served at Friday fish fries, was a girl scout troop leader, and performed in and directed the annual Follies. Additionally, she was a Mass lector, taught Sunday school and served as a pre-Cana counselor. Mary was a member of the Christian Mothers and the Christ Child society. Mary and Bill were very social people. They loved golf, bridge and volunteering. Mary enjoyed gardening and spent a lot of time knitting, crocheting, and sewing for family.

After retirement Mary and Bill relocated to Franklin, WI and joined St. Mary’s Catholic parish in Hales Corners. They were active in organizing the continental breakfast, as lay servers for Communion, and volunteering at the annual parish festival.

Mary and Bill made many visits to Alaska (Dave), Door County (Teri), Arizona (Bob), and Colorado (Kathleen) to spend time with their children. They also frequently traveled with close friends to Florida, Utah and Phoenix in the winter months. Mary’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were a very big part of her life, affectionately bestowing her the nickname of “Graminator”.

At the age of 93 Mary relocated to Colorado to be closer to family. She remained active in senior living there. Mary loved swimming and shooting hoops in her daughter Kathleen’s pool. She returned every summer to Minocqua, WI for the annual family reunion where she canoed, floated in the water, and commandeered the evening pontoon boat rides until the age of 99!

Mary celebrated her 100th birthday (1/1/2025) with a raucous celebration in Boulder, Colorado surrounded by family and friends!

Mary is proudly survived by children David (wife, Mary Ellen Arvold), Teresa (husband, Al Searing), Robert, and Kathleen (Michael Lake). Also by her grandchildren Daniel Searing (wife, Kara), Bryan Searing (wife, Michelle), Benjamin Haas (wife, Julia), and Jacob Haas, and great-grandchildren, Olivia Searing, Emerson Searing, Cooper Haas, Cameron Haas and Ethan Searing. Her husband, Bill, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Haas, preceded Mary in death.

Mary was warm and caring, inspiring, and always kept everyone smiling and laughing. She truly touched everyone she met. She will be loved, missed and treasured by all.

Mary was a passionate volunteer her whole life. You can choose to honor Mary by volunteering in your own way.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with her family.