Catherine A. Haas

Catherine (better known as Peggy) Haas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on October 30, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 9, 1920 to William August and Catherine O’Donnell Whitman. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother William (Buddy), her son, Donald Alan, and her husband, Lawrence William. She is survived by her son Bruce Haas and wife Elizabeth (Chestnut Ridge, NY), her daughter Joan Collins and husband Jack (Binghamton, NY), and her son David Haas and wife Charla (Nashville, TN). She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Kurt (Albany, NY), Glenn (Baltimore, MD), Anna (New York, NY) and Daniel Haas (Nashville, TN), sister, Margaret Beauchamp (Pinole, CA) and Gale Haas (Suffern, NY).

Peggy was born in Brooklyn, NY and later always enjoyed sharing her memories of trips to Coney Island, eating Nathan’s hot dogs and riding the Cyclone. After she married Lawrence and moved to Suffern, she taught piano and also worked as a bookkeeper for the Boy Scouts of America and for Good Samaritan Hospital. After her children were born, however, no role was more important to her than that of mother. Whether baking her children’s favorite cinnamon cookies, listening to their problems or sharing their joys, she relished that role. As the family continued to grow, Peggy became no less devoted to her daughters-in-law, son-in-law and grandchildren, and they in turn absolutely adored her.

She also loved the Yankees, the Rangers (an interest she shared with son Donald) and classic movies. In fact, if you named an old movie, she could recite the entire cast. She also enjoyed talking on the phone every week with her sister in California, sitting in her backyard with her husband to feed the birds, playing the piano, and, most of all, just spending time with her family.

Words cannot express what the passing of Peggy Haas means. She was the most gentle, compassionate person who always put others before herself and saw only the good in them. In her final days she kept repeating that people need to love each other regardless of their name or nationality. A symbol of goodness and love, her legacy will be forever cherished by all those who knew her.

Those who wish to pay their respects may do so on Tuesday between 2-4 and 6-8pm at Wanamaker and Carlough Funeral Home on Rte 59 in Suffern, NY. A funeral service to celebrate Peggy Haas’ life will also be held there on Wednesday immediately followed by a burial at Brick Church Cemetery, New Hempstead, New York. In lieu of flowers donations to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City New York 10956-3505 would be appreciated. www.wanamakercarlough.com