Obituary of Lorena Pearl Haas

Lorena "Chip" (Brown) Haas, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on June 26, 2010 at the age of 95. Lorena was greatly loved for her joyful spirit, charisma, independence, and tenacity. She could often be found gardening, tending to her chickens, and spending time with her family and neighbors. Lorena was born in Durango, Colorado on April 29, 1915. She was the sixth child born to Alfred and Glennie Brown. The family later moved to El Monte, California where Lorena attended and graduated from El Monte High School. During her high school years she starred on the swim and tennis teams. She was also active in Girls League and Speech and Debate. After high school graduation, Lorena moved to San Jose and took a job working for the Hester Dairy. During the early war years she also worked as a volunteer for the USO, where she danced (one of her passions) with soldiers before they went off to war. It was at the Hester Dairy where she met and married the love of her life, Thomas Martin Haas. Tom and Lorena were married in June of 1943 and had four children Thomas Roger, Gerald Wayne, Patrick (who died at birth) and Darlene Sue. The family moved to Santa Cruz in 1954 where Lorena was a resident for 56 years. Lorena loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was very active in the Republican Party, Dominican Hospital Auxiliary, PTA, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Lorena loved helping her children in their various projects and could often be overheard saying, "well, aren't we busy!" as she worked. She was a talented gardener and seamstress. Lorena was also an avid patron of the theater, loved reading and playing the piano. Lorena attributed her longevity to advice she received from her high school tennis coach, "use it or lose it." She exercised daily and remained active until her death. Lorena's greatest joy in life was her family. Lorena and Tom were married for 51 years before his death in 1995. She is survived by her children Darlene Haas of Tendoy, Idaho, Roger and Diane Haas of Santa Cruz, Gerald and Nancy Haas of Santa Cruz, her grandchildren Alesia Haas, Jennifer Haas, Michele Reen, Tami Jolley, her six great grandchildren Ryan and Rachel Reen and Kevin, Austin, Kristi, and Alicia Jolley, and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Dominican Hospital Foundation-Pediatric Clinic at 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 in Lorena's name. A celebration of Lorena's life will be held later this summer. Please call (831) 475-7898 for more information. Arrangements are by Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to share your feelings with the family and sign the online guest book