Mary Jean (Lee) Haskins

How does one sum up the life of an amazing woman in just a few words? Our sweet, sometimes spicy, and always loving Mom has passed on into the loving arms of Jesus. All those she loved that have gone before her are as overjoyed to be reunited as we are saddened to be left behind.  Mary J. Baker Haskins left us in the early morning hours of April 11, 2017, at the age of 84.  She leaves behind her husband Rolland W.(Bud) Moon and her three children Gordon A. Baker of Toledo, OH; Steven M. Baker (Jacqueline)  of Maple Plain, MN; and Sandra L. Sells (Patrick) of Toledo, OH; nine grandchildren, and five great grandsons. Mary is predeceased by her parents, brother and sister; husband Paul B. Haskins and grandson Andrew M. Baker. 

Born in Beloit WI on the first day of 1933 to George H. and Lenore V. Lee, she grew up spending summers and time off from school on her grandparents farm, feeding the chickens and doing all the daily chores necessary to run a successful farm. This is where and when she learned her work ethic. Never one to shy away from a challenge she met life head on; sometimes winning, sometimes not.

As a single mother in a time single mothers were not as accepted as they are today, she often worked two jobs, seven days a week to make ends meet and provide for us. Her example taught all three of us the value of hard work, to leave your problems outside and give it your best, whether it was your life's dream or not.   One thing about our mom was that she was a "straight shooter"; she always said "say what you mean, and mean what you say". If she said it, she meant it; and we knew exactly what was to come! 

As the years went by, mom achieved success in the workplace despite never having a college degree. She advanced in every job she held and, at age 48, after raising her family she started over. Accepting a transfer to Toledo with the Dana Corporation, feeling incredibly blessed to work in their beautiful world headquarters, her position within the company was a Benefits Administrator. Her duties required her to negotiate contracts with the major insurance companies for the employees of the manufacturing plants, and then travel to and train those administrators in the fine points of the contracts. She was a confident public speaker and teacher. It was while working for Dana she agreed to a blind date and was introduced to Paul Haskins, marrying a year later. Upon retirement, she and Paul moved south to Pine Island FL where they spent a very happy 8 years; making dear friends, fishing, boating and living their dream. Shortly after their return to Toledo Paul was diagnosed with cancer and she cared for him in their home until his passing. 

Knowing he would pass soon, Paul pointed out how thoughtful their neighbor was and that he would make a good husband for her after he was gone.  That neighbor was Rolland (Bud) Moon. Together they've shared 16 years of marriage, travels, and much love. Caregiving is not an easy task and we are grateful for Bud's care of and love for our mom over these last years. 

Mary was an active member of the First Christian Church of Sylvania, holding leadership roles on the church board,  Membership committee and the Mary Martha ladies group. She loved serving in these roles and loved the ladies she served with. Even when her illness made it impossible to be there she always asked about everyone. She was passionate about her beliefs and would take a stand to defend them. She's been a warrior, fighting hardship and illness with determination and strength. She loved an icy cold beer, a good joke, the Chicago Cubs, sparkly jewelry, was talented with needle and thread, meticulous in record keeping, wonderful cook and baker, and loved her family more than anything.  We've been blessed to call her Mom; we will miss her. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday April 18 from 4 -8 pm, with funeral service to follow on Wednesday April 19 at 11 am,  Rev. Mary Jo Bray and Dr. Joseph Hara officiating. The family suggests contributions to First Christian Church Memorial Fund 5271 W. Alexis Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560..  Online condolences to the family at www.reebfuneralhome.com