Carolyn A. Haser
February 28, 1944 – August 3, 2026 (Age 82)
Age 82, of Plum Borough passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.
Carolyn was born in New Kensington, PA on February 28, 1944 to Stanley and Dorothy Beuth Gancas. Carolyn completed the first three years of high school at the St. Joseph Aspirancy in Mount Gallitzen School, Baden, PA. She graduated from New Kensington Senior High School in 1961. Carolyn reentered the Sisters of St. Francis convent, taking her first vows. In 1966 Sister Dorothy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Duquesne University. Carolyn processed out of the convent and worked as a substitute teacher. She was hired as an elementary teacher by the New Kensington Arnold School District in 1968.
In the same year Carolyn wed Louis Raymond of Harwick, PA. The Raymonds built a loving, fun-filled, home full of memories for their children, Matthew and Rachelle. Carolyn was the quintessence of motherhood… kind, generous, supportive, always putting those she loved first. Following Louis’ untimely passing in 1986, Carolyn reentered the workforce as an employee of Beacon Printing.
Carolyn’s favorite social activity was card club – young mothers meeting monthly to laugh, vent, gossip, and advise. Her card club friends encouraged Carolyn to invite high school principal Jim Haser to a neighborhood progressive dinner in December, 1987. They married in August, 1988.
In 2007 Carolyn embraced her role as the Artistic Director for Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh. She used her creative abilities and artistic talents to design and enhance museum displays and exhibits.
Carolyn was an avid reader, enjoyed playing the piano, practiced the art of calligraphy, and enjoyed the challenge of solving crossword and Sudoku puzzles. Her passion was her grandchildren Rebecca and Griffin. From preschool through college, Carolyn and Jim rarely missed an activity or event. . . concerts, book fairs, dance recitals, scouts, baseball, lacrosse, ice hockey, field hockey, cross country, honors assemblies, vacations, graduations, and family holidays and celebrations. The most memorable times were the annual Nunna and Pappy Camps and making pierogi together.
In addition to her parents Carolyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Louis J. Raymond, brother, Ronald S. Gancas and niece Caroline McCabe. She is survived by her husband of nearly 38 years, James J. Haser, son Matthew L. Raymond (Patricia), daughter Rachelle L. Roth (Michael), grandchildren Rebecca L. Roth and Griffin M. Roth, and sister-in-law Marjorie Gancas.
Carolyn’s family invites all to share memories, photographs, and tributes celebrating Carolyn’s life at ForeverMissed.com/Carolyn-Haser. Your memories and condolences may also be shared at www.RusiewiczFH.com website. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Friends and family will be received at the Rusiewicz Funeral Homes, Inc., 3124 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell, Pa. from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026. On Saturday, August 8, 2026 friends and family are invited to assemble a funeral procession at the Rusiewicz Funeral Home prior to 10:30 a.m. At 10:45 AM the caravan will proceed to Greenwood Memorial Park for graveside interment.