Beatrice Hauss

Beatrice Susan Hauss, 97, passed away in her home on December 20, 2024. Born Beatrice Manasse on September 28, 1927, in a time shaped by the Great Depression, Bea’s early years left an indelible mark on her. She was often called by her Hebrew name, Basha, affectionately used by her older uncles throughout her life.

Bea was predeceased by her parents, Anna Williams Manasse and George Manasse, her sister Lillian Chernikoff, and her husband Henry Hauss, who passed in 2012.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Debbie Hauss; son, Gary Hauss; granddaughters Allyson (Lloyd) Naideck and Sasha Baron; grandsons Sam (Jenny) Hauss and Jake Hauss; and great-grandchildren Lillian Frances Naideck (5), Cecelia “Bea” Hauss (2), and Henry Lev Naideck (3 months), who was named after his late grandfather Henry. The arrival of her great-grandchildren marked the latest chapter of her life, and they became one of the greatest joys and reasons she held on for so many years.

Bea’s life was shaped by humble beginnings, and she witnessed monumental changes throughout her 97 years. From growing up during the Depression, she developed a lifelong appreciation for a good bargain, and saw the rise of technology like cell phones, microwave ovens, and one of her favorites — central air conditioning. She even survived the hottest day of the year, July 15, 1951, when she married Henry in 107-degree heat. Of all the newfangled inventions, however, it was the old-fashioned, tethered-to-the-wall telephone that she cherished the most, using it like we use instant messaging today to stay connected with her ever-growing group of friends and family.

Bea’s cooking was another cornerstone of her legacy. Her kitchen was full of treasured recipes, with favorites like kugel, stuffed cabbage, and sausage and peppers. It’s rare to find someone who hasn’t cooked one of her dishes, and they were always a hit at every gathering. And, in true Jewish mother fashion, she couldn’t help but ask, "Are you hungry? Did you eat yet? What did you have to eat?" Her endless love was often served on a plate.

Throughout her life, Bea made friends wherever she went, staying connected with them through the years. The “kids” she grew up with in Linden, NJ, became the aunts and uncles and second families of today, and when she and Henry started their own, they built a life in Rahway next door to two of her best friends. At 14, Bea began working part-time at her uncle’s store, Southern Market in Roselle, NJ, and stayed for decades. She then worked for 25 years as an administrator at National State Bank in Elizabeth before retiring to Delray Beach, FL, where she and Henry were surrounded by dozens of their closest friends and cousins who lived within a 3-mile radius. In 2021, Bea returned to New Jersey to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

No amount of time would have ever been enough with Bea, but the memories she leaves behind will last for generations. She made the world a better place simply by being in it.

Whenever you see a butterfly, think of Bea. It was her favorite symbol, representing the grace and beauty she brought into the lives of all who knew her.

Oh, how we loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bea Hauss' name to the American Cancer Society or Kessler Foundation.