Mary Helen Haaker

Mary Helen Haaker was born March 14th,1918 in St. Paul Minnesota. She had one brother, Bob, who was older than her by a few years. She went to school at St. Joseph's academy where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and then earned a Bachelors degree in Library Science from St. Thomas College in St. Paul. At 24 she moved to California and became an executive secretary at MK Corporation. She met her future husband in Los Angeles who lived in the same apartment complex as her. He was from Texas and was an engineer. They were married 3 months later. She had 3 children and was married 18 years when she was tragically widowed in 1970. She continued to raise her 3 boys as a single mom and went to work for the LA County public library in Claremont until she retired to help with her grandchildren. She has 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren with one more on the way.

Mary was an extremely talented quilter and received multiple awards at the LA county fair including a first place for one of her quilts. She also played the piano and was an avid reader.

Mary was a devout Catholic her entire life and attended Our Lady of the Assumption in Claremont. 1n 1994 she moved to Yorba Linda Where she attended St. Martin's until she was almost 100. She broke her leg and was confined to a wheelchair so she had to stop attending in person. She continued to receive communion at home until she passed. She was active in her church in Claremont volunteering with the Right to Life organization for many years. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years when she was able to in Claremont and Yorba Linda.

Mary had many people who loved her and she had a unique personality that would make people smile about their encounter with her.

She passed away June 17 at 528 am in her home. The day before, the entire family was with her and two of her three sons were with her when she passed.

She will be dearly missed by everyone that knew her and Heaven is a brighter place with her as she is reunited with her husband, mother, father, brother, and all her relatives.

A funeral service for Mary will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Martin De Porres, 19767 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92832.