Obituary of Caroline Haase

Caroline R. Haase of Independence, WV passed away December 24, 2008 at her home. She was born November 6, 1923, the daughter of the late albert S and Anne Woodward Richardson, in Wyoming Ohio, a small town near Cincinnati. She is survived by two sisters, Annie Lou Helmsderfer and Mary Lee Irwin; and a brother, Albert S. Richardson II; two sons, Peter E. Haase of Deep River, CT, and Richard S Haase of Intervale, NH; and a daughter, Patricia Haase M.D. of Steilacoom, WA; and two grandchildren, Christopher Haase of Seattle, WA, and Bianka Kolb Wiggin of Tewsbury, MA; and two great -grandchildren, Lorelei and Alexander Wiggin. Independence was the perfect mailing address for our mother. Caroline attained her full height of 5 feet, 8 inches while she was 13 years old. She often reminded us that she’d had her driver’s license since she was 14 years old. Caroline left home after High school to attend Purdue University in Indiana and graduated after 3 years in 1944, (classes were accelerated due to W.W.II), with a degree in General Science. Caroline became especially interested in reading problems when her oldest son had difficulty reading in second grade. In 1961, Caroline enrolled in Westchester State College, in Pennsylvania, to complete Education Courses in order to become a grade school teacher. After her divorce she accepted child support, but not alimony, raised her three children and taught grade school in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Caroline moved to West Virginia in 1980, designed and built a home, custom fit to her property. This house had a wood burning furnace and a gravity-fed water system with a spring house she maintained herself. Caroline Taught at the Newburg School until she retired. She did payroll calculations for her daughter's medical practice in Masontown. She took care of both her grandchildren while their father was stationed in Korea, and also her grandson during his last two High school years. Caroline volunteered for many Preston county service organizations. She helped to get both FETCH (the origin of an after-school program in Arthurdale) and the Preston County Caring Council (Family Resource Network), “up and running”. She also gave time to Preston Memorial Hospital, Headstart, and Literacy Volunteers of America. We are grateful to M,C, B, J , and J and others who cared lovingly for our Mother in her home, during her last years. Cremation Services were provided by the Field Funeral Home in Masontown, WV. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.fieldfuneralhome.com. A memorial service will be held over the Memorial Day weekend. Details will be announced at a later date in the Dominion Post. In Lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to Literacy Volunteers of America, Kingwood branch (304-864-5987); Food for Preston; or The Humane Society, (329-3932).