CAROLINE MERTENS HASS
April 17, 1923 – November 23, 2019
Caroline Grace MertensHass was born on April 17, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA, the first child of Albert and Caroline Gollwitzer Mertens. There she grew up with brother Albert and sister Lois MertensBoehm. Caroline learned her meticulous recordkeeping , motivation, and work ethic from her father.
During WWII, Caroline worked for the Chemical Warfare Dept., and when the war ended she moved to Bethesda, MD in 1946, working for the Navy, Bureau of Ships in Washington, D.C. Fortunately, Caroline was able to continue her relationship with her pastor’s family who had moved to Washington earlier. In 1948, she began a 33 year career with a group of doctors, where she acted as the office manager and nurse.
Caroline enjoyed working with young children, and taught Sunday School in the Primary Dept for 35 years at St. John Evangelical Lutheran and Christ Lutheran in Bethesda. Caroline had a love of music, and sang in the church choir for 30 years.
Caroline loved to travel—especially to Europe. Caroline was a devoted gardener, planting flowers wherever she lived. Her chief delight was her home, meeting people and entertaining them in her home.
Caroline was married for the first time at age 54, to William A. Hass on July 2, 1977. Although Bill lived less than nine years, those were happy years filled with travels, family, and friends. Caroline was especially happy to have a family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In 2007, Caroline gave up her home in Bethesda and moved to her “Windy Hill” Villa at the National Lutheran Home at Rockville, a smaller place requiring less work. She loved her independent living cottage, always grateful she made the decision to make her home there. On September 6, 2019, it became necessary to move to the nursing care facility of the NLH so she could get more care for persistent her ankle sore. The adjustment was not easy, but she made the best of it. Unfortunately, after a couple of months, she began to feel weaker, and eventually lost her appetite; then evidence of pneumonia was found and days later Caroline was borne to Eternal Life.
Caroline had a penchant for beautiful things and created a memoir to pass on to future generations. Caroline was a unique and remarkable person. She was fiercely independent, smart, thoughtful and well-organized, with an incredible memory that served her well throughout her life. Caroline grew up during the Depression, and said she always learned to save and not spend money on extravagant items she didn’t need. When she did decide to purchase such items, Caroline would do careful research to ensure she purchased a high quality, lasting item. She was ahead of her time in many ways. Caroline was an “uber” planner and kept meticulous records her whole life. She was very capable, extremely honest, loyal, generous, and a very hard worker. If she noticed something amiss, she always made it a point to address it and work to fix it. She also knew how important it was to compliment good work, and thank people for their assistance. She was a person who enjoyed hosting small social gatherings at her home, and was a warm and inviting person who enjoyed the company of friends. She stayed in touch and corresponded with the special people she met throughout her life. She will be missed!
Caroline is survived by her stepson, William Hass (Sue), stepdaughter Sally Hirsh (Merril), step grandchildren Michael Hass (Kelly), Katherine Kercheval(Bart), David Hirsh (Stephanie), Brian Hirsh, and step great-grandchildren Isabella Hass, Alexandra Hass, KristianaHass, Ava Marie Hass, KilianHass, Magdalena Hass, Cornelius Kercheval, and Anastasia Kercheval.
Memorial services are planned at both the Lutheran Home and in Pittsburgh, where she will be buried. In lieu of flowers, Caroline suggested donations to Operation Smile, PO Box 5017, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298.
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