Mary Haab

Mary Haab, age 79, of Port Sheldon, MI born July 13, 1937, passed peacefully on February 8, 2017. She was preceded in death by parents Arnold and Marie Lindeman and is survived by husband Peter Haab; sister Anne Heaphy (William); children Julie Miller (Robert), Eric Haab (Kim), and Brian Haab (Mary Jo). She is grandmother to 11 grandchildren. Mary was born in Detroit. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1959 with high distinction (Phi Beta Kappa) and received a Master's in Medieval Studies from Western Michigan University. Mary was a beloved English and Literature teacher for 23 years at Portage Central High School, where she coached debate and forensics, and was inducted into the Michigan High School Debate Coach's Hall of Fame. Mary and Peter were married in 1959 and lived in Chicago before moving to Kalamazoo in 1967. In 1998, she and Peter retired to their cottage on Lake Michigan in Port Sheldon and spent winters in Vieques, Puerto Rico. She was a poet and historian, and researched and authored In Association, a history of the Port Sheldon Beach Association, her favorite place to be. Mary was loved for her creative mind, kindness, wide circle of friends, and her skill in organizing social events. A family service was held, with a memorial service being planned for this spring. Donations in Mary's honor may be made to Free@3 Concert Series (freeat3.weebly.com) or Hospice of Holland. The family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland. Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.