Marilyn Ward Hass

Marilyn was born to Margaret and Maurice Ward on November 14, 1947, in Los Angeles. She grew up in El Segundo with her parents, her sister Martha, and her brother Mitch. She graduated from UCLA in 1969 and later earned a Masters in Education from Cal State LA.

Marilyn met Robert Hass during college and they married in 1969. In 1981 they moved to Ventura to raise their family. Their son Michael was born in 1979 and daughter Stephanie in 1983.

Marilyn was a devoted and much-loved school teacher. She taught for nearly 40 years at many public schools in Los Angeles and Ventura County. She especially enjoyed working with 5th and 6th graders, finding that their developing personalities and goofy humor always kept her laughing. Marilyn also had fond memories of teaching at St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish Day School where she was her daughter’s 5th grade teacher. In 2009 she retired from Monte Vista Middle School in Camarillo.

Marilyn loved her retirement. She and Bob moved to Ojai where she flexed her green thumb and carefully cultivated their bountiful garden. Marilyn was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She served on the vestry and coordinated the St. Paul’s food pantry. She was also a board member for Step Up Ventura, a preschool for homeless children that will launch in the coming year. Marilyn faithfully volunteered for many years at Food Share and Project Understanding. In 2014 Project Understanding recognized her as “Volunteer of the Year.”

Marilyn was always up for an adventure. Most recently, she and Bob enjoyed a long-anticipated trip to Japan, camping in Yosemite, and condor sightings at the Pinnacles. She has recently traveled to China, Ghana, Turkey, Egypt, Chile, and Costa Rica. Marilyn and Bob also made frequent trips around the U.S. and California to visit family and friends.

Love of family defined Marilyn’s life. She and Bob were devoted to each other for 45 years and they took great pride in having raised two wonderful children. Marilyn was their number one cheerleader, always supporting Mike and Steph in their many endeavors and delighting in each accomplishment. Marilyn was overjoyed when her family expanded, with Mike marrying Shariece in 2007 and Stephanie marrying George in 2012. The arrival of Mike and Shariece’s two sons, Ethan and Aiden was cause for special celebration. Marilyn was so happy to assume the role of Grandma and put in many miles driving to Long Beach to care for her grandsons.

Marilyn’s love of family was intertwined with her joy of cooking. All Hass family gatherings involved abundant food, lively conversation, and leftovers sent home with guests. Marilyn was especially close to her older sister Martha (also a school teacher), and the two sisters spent many happy hours in the kitchen chatting about teaching while trying out recipes both old and new. Marilyn and Bob hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the extended family nearly every year for the past 25 years. Those dinners showcased Marilyn’s culinary prowess as well as her thoughtfulness, as she always ensured that everyone’s favorite dish was on the table.

Just before Christmas, Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer. As with all things in life, she faced her last weeks with cheerful pragmatism, relishing her remaining time with family and friends. She was grateful to have passed away peacefully, with the ocean in sight at Faria Beach, surrounded by family and close friends. While we are heartbroken that Marilyn left us too soon, we find comfort in the many happy memories we have with her.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Bob of Ojai; son, Michael Hass and daughter-in-law Shariece Vallejo of Long Beach; daughter, Stephanie and son-in-law George Hines of Kensington; grandsons, Ethan and Aiden Hass of Long Beach; sister, Martha and brother-in-law Malcolm Mackenzie of Napa; brother, Mitchell and sister-in-law Sue Ward of Grass Valley; nieces, Elizabeth Mackenzie of Berkeley, Alison Mackenzie of Los Angeles, Jessica Mackenzie of Los Angeles, Heather Valle of Chico, and Denise Johnson of Los Angeles; nephews Scott Brodie of Moorpark , and Dale Brodie of Hermosa Beach; three grand-nieces and two grand-nephews. Marilyn also leaves behind many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015, 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, with the Reverend Susan Bek officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Step Up Ventura, P.O. Box 7565, Ventura, CA 93006.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.