LeeAnn M. Haas

LeeAnn M. Haas died Tuesday, May 11. She died at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, surrounded by her family. She was born to Thomas M. and Madelyn K. (Dolder) Haas of Somonauk in the spring of 1965. Her life was as colorful and unpredictable as the springtime itself. Named after actress and former Miss America, LeeAnn Meriwether, LeeAnn was surrounded on both sides equally by four brothers, who, throughout her 45 years, constantly tempered her, and she them. She enjoyed fishing, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and country music. She also was an exceptionally good cook, inheriting from her father and her paternal grandmother the uncanny ability of, if she had to, being able to make even dog food taste like Swiss Steak. Not that she ever did. She was incredibly generous and trusting and enjoyed sharing her edibles by whipping up "carry-outs" for her friends and family, to which she was fiercely devoted. She graduated from Somonauk High in 1983, of which she also served as class president. She tried her hand at many jobs throughout her career, eventually settling in for a time with the Wall Street Journal in the circulation department — a job she held for many years. Life would, on many occasions, present her with obstacles and predicaments, but none ever deterred her generosity and sincerity. She was also known to be a "saver" (another gene inherited from her paternal side of the family.) She could stockpile toilet paper, detergent and cigarettes like the best of them. If there were ever to be a nuclear winter, one would most definitely want to be with her. She was exceptionally generous, even to a fault, and could hold her own in any dispute or argument. No doubt it will always be said she certainly gave everyone a "run for their money." She is survived by her mother Madelyn Crouch of Somonauk; four brothers, Bruce (Debra) Haas of Columbia, S.C., Brad Haas of Orlando, Fla., Jay Haas of Plano and Jeff (Shelley) Haas of Lockport; several nieces and nephews; two great-nephews, many aunts, uncles and cousins; a plethora of friends and caretakers; and especially, a beloved puppy named Wrigley, to whom she was completely devoted. Those who preceded her include her father, Tom, her stepfather, John F. Crouch, her grandparents and other cherished loved ones. Visitation will be at St. John's Catholic Church (320 S. Depot St.) in Somonauk on Saturday, May 15, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Donald DeSalvo officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. To say she was a die-hard Cubs fan would be an understatement. One thing for sure — she was constantly and consistently optimistic with regards to their success. "Go Cubs Go!"