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Ann Elizabeth (Orr) DeHaas, 94, of State College, passed away peacefully on Saturday, in State College. She was born in Altoona, beloved daughter of the late Joseph H. Orr Sr. and Naomi (Humphries) Orr.
On Dec. 15, 1951, Ann married the love of her life, E. Philip DeHaas. Together they shared nearly 73 years of partnership, devotion, music and adventure until his passing on Nov. 27, 2024.
Ann is survived by her five children, who carry forward her warmth and curiosity: Elizabeth Ann O'Donnell (Michael) of Prosperity, Pa.; Mary Ellen DeHaas of Altoona; Dr. Sarah Jane DeHaas (Michael Straw) of State College; Philip Andrew DeHaas (Tracey Deak) of State College; and Peter Christian DeHaas (Katherine Sofis) of San Francisco, Calif. Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters, Jane Hitchcock and Sarah Herdman.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her brother, Joseph Orr Jr.
Ann was a lifelong United Methodist and a devoted member of every congregation she called home. She was a faithful member of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in Altoona for 50 years, where she joyfully served as Children's Choir Director. Later, she continued her music ministry in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, sharing her gifts as a director, pianist and organist in various churches and choirs.
She and Phil proudly raised their children in the United Methodist Church, teaching them to love music and to live generously. Ann instilled in them not only the joy of song and harmony, but the lasting values of faithfulness, service and the importance of giving -- a reflection of her deeply held belief in giving back to the church and community that gave so much to her.
A 1949 graduate of Altoona High School, Ann attended Penn State Altoona and worked for Bell Telephone in Altoona and Jacksonville, N.C. She was an active member of the Altoona Hospital Junior Auxiliary, always giving her time to care for others.
In 1981, at the age of 50, Ann and her family relocated to Stratford, Connecticut. There, she continued her life of service and music as children's choir director at both Nichols United Methodist Church and Stratford Congregational Church. She sang with the Stratford Oratorio Choir and studied organ with Thomas Crawford, founder and artistic director of the American Classical Orchestra. Ann also studied piano and voice and served as a preschool teacher at Nichols Mother's Day Out program.
Her passion for sacred music led her to Westminster Choir College, where she studied for many years, as well as to the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts at Lake Junaluska, Calvin College and Washington, D.C. She also served as a counselor and pianist at the United Methodist Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island, N.Y., a place she loved dearly.
In 1991, Ann and her family returned to State College. She became an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, singing in the senior choir for many years. Ann was also a gifted piano teacher, mentoring many students who went on to pursue musical careers. For several years, she played piano for the monthly worship services at The Village at Penn State, continuing her ministry through music well into her later years.
Ann held a lifelong admiration for Altoona High School, Grammy-
winning musician Paul Winter. She frequently attended his Winter Solstice concerts at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and, in 1991, was honored to attend his wedding alongside her husband and sister, Sally, proudly sitting at a table with American folk icons Peter, Paul and Mary.
Ann was a woman of great intention and care. She had a remarkable eye for detail and a love for thoughtful touch. Whether arranging hymns, planning meals or decorating her home, she brought a quiet precision and deep joy to every task. Christmas was one of her favorite seasons, and over the years she lovingly crafted countless handmade Christmas tree ornaments, each one unique, each one imbued with care, tradition, and beauty. Her home glowed not just with decorations, but with her spirit.
Ann also had a gift for storytelling. Her stories -- rich with memory, insight and humor -- were told with such clarity and warmth that they became part of the family's shared fabric. She had a deep love of writing letters, and each one was crafted with careful penmanship and heartfelt thought. For Ann, writing was an act of connection and care, a gift of love and friendship she extended to many over the years.
She loved NCAA Women's Basketball and March Madness, and took the tournament seriously. Every year, she sat on the couch with her piece of cardboard and the newspaper sports section spread across her lap, meticulously keeping track of winners, scores and upsets as she filled out her bracket. It was a cherished ritual, one she never outgrew.
Like her mother, Naomi, Ann was an herbalist. She delighted in growing and drying herbs from her garden, turning them into thoughtful, handcrafted gifts and artwork for others.
But more than anything, Ann loved people. She had a deep, joyful trust in the human spirit and never met a stranger. Whether in a church pew, a grocery aisle or a quiet piano lesson, she was ready with a smile, a story, a question or a song. Her laugh was contagious. Her faith shaped the way she lived, gave and connected with others. Her belief in kindness, and in connection, was at the core of everything she did.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Wynwood House, Green Hills and 365 Hospice, who provided gentle care and comfort to Ann in her final days.
Family and friends will be received from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Committal will be held at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.
thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com