Remembering a Plaza Little League and Patrick Henry Icon
In Memory of
Loretta Haas
June 27, 1938 – November 27, 2017
Loretta was born and raised in Long Beach, CA, with her parents Nicholas and Nancy, sisters Arlene and Linda. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many. At the age of 79 she lost a long, hard-fought battle to Lewy Body Dementia.
Loretta was a graduate of Poly High School Class of 1957. After graduation she worked at Prudential Insurance Company as a claims clerk. On St. Patrick’s Day 1962 she married Glenn Haas. Loretta and Glenn raised two children, Pamela and Steven in a loving Long Beach, CA home. Loretta (also known as Lori) was an active volunteer at Patrick Henry elementary school becoming PTA President, playground director and volunteer tutor for students needing extra help.
Loretta loved children and became involved with Campfire Girls with her daughter and Little League Baseball with her son. Baseball was her favorite sport and was a devoted LA Dodgers fan. She spent 35 years in Little League Baseball in the local league and as an Assistant Administrator with California District 38. She was the concession stand manager at Plaza Little League for 33 years and league Treasurer for 30 years. Loretta accumulated over 66,000 volunteer hours with Little League. This volunteer time did not come without sacrifice. There were many late dinners for family, lost vacations and work inconveniences. However, she wouldn’t have traded this experience for anything in the world. Nearly 10,000 youngsters and thousands more parents and friends came to know and love her during this period. She was known as the First Lady of Plaza Little League. Also, Loretta worked for American Greetings Corporation as a merchandiser specialist for 25 years and retired in 2013.
She achieved many awards over the years, from the PTA Advisory Council, Long Beach Century Club, Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach Mayor’s Office, Press Telegram and Little League Baseball. Loretta was recognized for distinguished service as PTA President, Treasurer and Auditor. She was honored for her 66,000 hours of service to Little League Baseball as Volunteer of the year twice, and Mom of the year. She was named a Community Hero and an Amazing Women of the Year 2014 by the Long Beach Press Telegram for her 50 years of volunteer service to youth in Southern California. She received the John Dixon Citizens Award by the Long Beach Century Club. She mentored generations of children.
Loretta loved to bowl beginning in high school and participated for nearly 60 years in local bowling leagues. She was an avid reader of novels, enjoyed sewing and making crafts. A favorite pastime was playing bunco with her many friends. She enjoyed meeting interesting people, shopping, finding exciting new restaurants and traveling. Some of her most cherished memories involved camping in National Parks and beaches with family and friends. Hours were spent playing cards, horseshoes and sharing stories around the campfire.
She was a proud Grandma to her three grandchildren Victoria, Natalie and Nick. She spent endless hours with them, at their sporting events, dance recitals, attending their school functions, shopping with them and making their favorite foods, but mostly showering them with her love.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Glenn, of 55+ years, her two children Pamela (Paul) and Steven (Gina), grandchildren Victoria, Natalie and Nick, sisters Arlene and Linda, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of friends.
Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4471 Lincoln Ave. Cypress, CA
