Ann Haider
Ann Haider, “Angel Ann,” passed away October 6, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born in Milwaukee, WI to parents Charles and Catherine Karabensh and was the 9th of 10 children.
Ann began her life in Wisconsin and moved as a child to a farm outside of Mandan, ND. It was there she learned the value of hard work and importance of family. It is also where she met the love of her life, Wallace Haider. They were married in 1954 and soon started their family with 3 daughters, Brenda, Cynthia and Kathleen. In 1963 they moved to Portland, OR and added 2 sons, Daniel and Kenneth, to complete their family. Ann was trained as a beautician but happily gave that up to become a full time mother and homemaker.
Ann lived a life of faith and service. She was devoted to her family, friends and neighbors. Although she was not trained as a nurse (as was her childhood dream), nothing gave her more pleasure than to be taking care of others. She lovingly cared for her husband, Wally, through a long-term illness until his death in 1980. Ann served on committees for her children’s schools, her church, local elections and neighborhood associations. She was quick to volunteer wherever needed, bringing prayers and Communion to the homebound, sitting with the sick and dying, sharing meals and treats to ANYONE in need, welcoming new neighbors, and woking many years to help the less fortunate at the Francis Center.
Ann raised her family with love and laughter and lots of baked goods! Her children received unconditional love while also observing her faith, service, strength and humor. She was a constant support to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, most recently through her prayers. Her home was often filled with additional children as she did home daycare, taught sewing and cooking as a 4H leader, shared her love of game playing, gave haircuts, and even pulled loose teeth of the neighborhood kids!
Ann never missed an opportunity to celebrate the people in her life. Birthdays, holidays and life events were all acknowledged with joy and, of course, a special meal and dessert. She always valued people above ‘things’ in her life. Although, she did love angels too. As she became know as “Angel Ann” she was given many angels over the years to create quite a collection!
Ann loved to play games. And she loved to win, and often did! Never would she give up the opportunity to play a game of dice, cards, cribbage or dominos — even if it was past her bedtime. And she learned to love playing bean bag with her friends at Parkview retirement community. It brought her much joy to share this game time with family and friends which was evident by her lovely and mischievous laughter.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Elsie Larson, Richard, Carl, Catherine Schmidt, Jack, and Charlotte and her son-in-law, Robert Crow. She is survived by her siblings Caroline Maher, Sr. Ruth Margaret, and Marian Zueger and brother-in-law Art, and her children Brenda Crow, Cynthia Dundon and husband Michael, Kathleen Haider, Daniel and wife Cyndi, and Kenneth and wife Connie. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Ann’s family is very grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown to them during this time. And a special thank you to Nanina, RN, and Legacy Hospice for their guidance and care during these last few months.
A Funeral Mass will be held October 20, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at Ascension Catholic Church (743 SE 76th Ave, Portland OR 97215) with a Celebration of Life reception immediately following.
A live stream of the Mass will be available on the parish Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/ascensionpdx.
In remembrance of Ann’s giving spirit, donations can be made in her name to the Francis Center, PO Box 66336, Portland OR 97290 (6535 SE 82nd Ave., Portland OR 97266)