Susan Mae Haas

died in Tucson on January 20, 2016 following a struggle with cancer. She passed peacefully, with her youngest son holding her hand. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 27, 1949, Sue and her family soon moved to Akron, where she attended Firestone High School. After getting her B.A. from Ohio State University and her M.Ed. from Miami University, Sue moved to Saudi Arabia and then to Tucson, where she spent over 20 years helping to educate thousands of students in the Amphitheater School District. She retired as the principal of Helen Keeling Elementary School in 2007. Sue is survived by her partner of 15 years, Esteban Daranyi, and her sons, Cord Jefferson, Derrick Jefferson (Allison) and Wilson "Trey" Jefferson III (Meegan). She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren, Laila Jefferson, Reese Jefferson, Tatianna Jefferson, Alex Jefferson, and Wilson "Q" Jefferson IV. Sue loved to play tennis and sing in the church choir. She loved to travel, and her favorite cities in the world were Paris and Vouliagmeni, Greece. She loved to read and talk about books. She loved Christmas. She was kind and forgiving. In her final hours, a nurse at her bedside said Sue was "literally the strongest person I've ever had the honor of caring for." Sue lived a life full of love and gratitude. Several days before she died, she took a few moments to stare out of a window at the bright, warm morning. Someone asked her what she was thinking about. She said, "How lucky I've been." A Memorial Service is being held at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a neighborhood school or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by NEPTUNE SOCIETY.