Cara Rodebush Hafer

May 16, 1963 – April 7, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cara Rodebush Hafer, who left this world on April 7, 2025.

Cara was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, Nana, and friend. She is survived by her devoted husband, Pat Hafer; her children from her first marriage to Bob Anderson, Elijah Anderson and Mariah (Nick) Jensen and her cherished grandson, Phoenix Jensen, who lit up her world. She was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Rodebush, and is survived by her mother, Sharon Rugg and her two sisters, Leslie (Brian) Berish and Keena (Eric) Hormel.

Cara’s love for life was as infectious as her laughter. Cara was community minded and gave back to her community by becoming a Portland Parks & Recreation lifeguard and swimming instructor. She was passionate about water safety and thought it was important that everyone should have access to swimming lessons. She worked her way up through the ranks achieving a head lifeguard position until she became a mom.

When her children were older, Cara wanted to become a chef. She worked as an apprentice then worked hard to earn a place in kitchens for local colleges and businesses. Cara enjoyed being a chef and finally scored her dream position at Daimler. The pandemic brought that opportunity to a close and she made the decision to retire. Soon after, she was diagnosed with lymphoma. We knew Cara was made of stronger stuff than most, but beating back an aggressive blood cancer four times while enduring chemo left no room for doubt.

She had a gregarious spirit, a soft spot for a well-timed pun, and a hearty zest for adventure and travel. Whether she was planning her next trip, getting lost in a good book, or soaking in the beauty of the outdoors, Cara embraced each moment fully and joyfully. She was at her happiest in her role as "Nana," doting on Phoenix and sharing her warmth, hugs, and stories.

We will forever miss her vibrant presence—her quirky sense of humor, her contagious laugh, her quick wit, and her ability to make everyone around her feel like family (if she liked you). She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, recipes, and unforgettable memories.

On March 29th, we honored Cara’s wish with a living celebration of life. Surrounded by family and friends, she received her “flowers” while she could still enjoy them—a beautiful, authentic gathering that captured all she meant to us. We left that day filled with the same love she always gave to us so freely.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cara’s memory to the Portland Parks Foundation for children’s swimming lessons (https://www.portlandpf.org/donate), or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://lls.org/).