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Jennifer Haan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Haan
Sponsored by her family.
Tricia Frazier
June 11, 2007
I was one of Jen's nurses and I have to say she stood out to me. I only knew her for a short time, but I loved her. She was so full of energy and love for her family. I was lucky enough to be with her on her last few days. My thoughts are with the family.
Jen in Joseph 2005
Ann Heather Seamans
May 18, 2007
We only heard recently about Jen and are devastated. Heather was in Open Door Theater with Jen, who always went out of her way to include Heather with Jen's lovely smile. After Heather's scare with cancer last year, I was sure Jen would survive, too,and am still in shock that she didn't. We are so sad for you, her family, and us for the loss of such a lovely person.
Libby Merrill Jelliffe
May 9, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing away. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. She is an important part of my cherished childhood memories. She and I grew up together in Acton and attended Gates Elementary School. Outside of school, I remember enjoying wonderful birthday parties together (piñatas and all that jazz!), visiting her house to play, and driving a few miles to devour homemade ice cream during the hot summers (as only New Englanders know how to!). In school, Jennifer was a very intelligent, active student with so much to offer. Also, she spent time with my mother, Mary Jane Merrill, and three other students in our class visiting authors with whom they corresponded. Everyone always enjoyed his/her time with Jennifer, like me. She will be missed greatly.
Michele (Koenig) Augeri
May 8, 2007
To Jen's Family:
I am so very sorry to learn that your time with Jen has been cut so short. I met Jen in the first grade and knew her up through high school. She was funny, intelligent, gentle and generous. I see from the wide variety of testimonials here that she never changed in her ability to love other people and make them feel loved. I know it's not much comfort now, but hopefully some day the richness of the life Jen lived will give you some heart's ease.
in condolence,
Midori Evans
May 3, 2007
I only recently heard from my elementary school teachers about Jennifer’s death. Jennifer and I grew up together -- we shared the same teachers, classes, special reading projects, games at recess, and numerous childhood experiences from age seven up through high school. Jennifer was a vital part of my life for many years; I remember a special outing for ice cream with our 3rd grade teacher, writing and performing a class play in 6th grade, our trips to visit the authors we corresponded with, and an especially lovely surprise going-away party when I left town after my freshman year of high school. Though Jennifer and I had lost touch, she was extremely important to me as a child and I mourn her loss, as I grieve for her family and friends in this difficult time.
Waky Waks
April 30, 2007
Took me a while before I was ready to write in this guest book, and I 'm still not sure I will be able to do justice to what I feel. I only knew Jen a little over a year. I met her in her role as cheerleader for the WIZ. It was my first Open Door production and I can remember her organizing many fun and welcoming activities at St. Matt's at early rehearsals... games, prizes, little momentos. She made me feel immediately welcome in a room full of many strangers. Now I feel I'm at ease with the organization, but Jen was there at the beginning to engulf me in her love and warmth...
Waky
Tim Farrell
April 22, 2007
I was so deeply saddened to just hear from a high school friend that Jen had recently passed away. I met her in high school and she was not only such a dear, sweet, intelligent person but she was just so much fun to be around and loved to laugh and enjoy life.
I was fortunate enough to re-connect with her for awhile after a year 2000 reunion and meet her very wonderful husband Bern. Unfortunately we lost touch again and I was pained to hear that she had passed away and that we all had lost such a precious soul.
My heart goes out to her parents and brother, as when I heard of her passing I thought "how much must this family endure"? as I recalled Andrea's passing who I also knew in high school. I hope you will take comfort in the fact that they were able to have a positive impact on so many people's lives, including mine, and bring joy to all that had the good fortune to meet them.
Bernd Haussmann
April 20, 2007
I met Jen and Bern through Frank.
They all came up to the studio to look at my work.
We had a great time - immediately connected and shared stories from the past and openly exchanged deeper thoughts. And we looked at a lot of art.
Suddenly, Jane started to cry, just after I had put another painting on the easel. And I felt so sorry because I thought the painting reminded her of something sad. Finally, I asked and she said: “I am crying because I love it so much. It is so beautiful.”
And I laughed, because I wanted to cry.
My wife Anne and I have shared this story many times when we talk about art and being, honesty, integrity, love and passion.
We will not ever forget Jen.
Our deepest sympathies to Bern and the kids and to Jen’s family.
Kathy Simmons
April 17, 2007
There are some people who are just special, Jen was one of those people. She had a way of making you feel like a friend even when you had just met her. I wish I had known her better, I feel cheated out of a friendship that would have made my life fuller. Acton is a smaller place without Jen in it, we will all miss her. Our hearts go out to you during this time of grief.
Paula Goodwin
April 16, 2007
I burst into tears when I read that Jennifer passed away. So many images come to mind- taking care of Jacob while she finished grad school and how she helped Jacob choose earrings for me for Mother’s Day, such a touching gesture; stopping by to say “hi” at a restaurant; Jen and Bern marrying on New Year’s Eve with Jacob getting a ring too; how she shared her Gates School memories with my children when they were there. She had a gift for including others in whatever was happening in her own life. I especially remember receiving birth announcements for Andrew, Myla and Ned and the fun visits we had shortly after to celebrate her growing family. She welcomed each baby with such love and tenderness, and at the same time was attentive to the older children. As two busy mothers we lost touch, but I cherish the memories of the time we did share. Jen inspired me in the way she followed her dreams and created a life she loved.
With sincere sympathy, Paula Goodwin
Sue Metcalf
April 12, 2007
Thinking about Jen, I sometimes dwell on the times that we COULD'VE had together, but because of fate we didn't - we could've been standing together daily at that preschool door six years ago, but I chose for my daughter to take the bus - we could've worked together on the same Merriam fundraisers, but we chose different paths there - and, finally, we could've worked alongside others on a project for this year's Open Door Theater production, but that didn't happen. I am sad that I did not get to know Jen better, but I do very much cherish those moments when we did run into each other over the years. She always made me feel that I was one of her long lost friends who she embraced with her smiles, sparkling eyes, and cries of joy and amusement. Thank you, Jen, for your enthusiasm, grace, and love of community and life. You will always be an inspiration to me and I will miss you.
Katy Frey
April 11, 2007
I met Jen several years ago when I dropped a donation off at her house for the Merriam School Auction. She was so sweet and told me how cute the little berry caps were that I had knit for the auction. I liked her immediately! It didn’t take long for a wonderful friendship to begin. I cherish the times we laughed together, had wonderful email chats, shared pictures of our kids on Halloween, and the list goes on. I miss Jen’s laughter, her smile and her love for life and am grateful that she has been a part of my life. I am a better person for knowing Jen. My heart goes out to the Haan and Doran families. Lots of love.
Tawnya Carvalho
April 11, 2007
Jen's attitude was infectious. She was always was able to put a smile on my face. She got me addicted to emails because I was always looking for her clever, witty advice:) I miss her greatly. Her life was too short but her legacy of grace, giving and loving one another will carry over to each of our lives.
With love and honor,
Tawnya Carvalho
Wendy Oltsik
April 11, 2007
I am not one of those fortunate enough to have several Jen memories as others do. But, I completely remember each encounter I ever had with her, especially the first one. It was during one of her cold, winter constitutionals past my house on Hammond Street, when I happened to be outside, and she shouted out a friendly greeting to me. She was so bundled up, that frankly, I had no idea who she was. It wasn't until, months later, that she formally introduced herself to me as the neighborly walker, sans bundles, and it all started to make sense. She was, indeed, a smile-maker.
Her impact on the community is evident in so many ways, not the least of which is her legacy of loved ones who will miss her forever.
Sue Sheehan
April 11, 2007
I am having a difficult time just comprehending that Miffy is no longer with us, being the Open Door Cheerleader. She cheered us on in life and in her own way is cheering us on in her passing with all the steps she took to make sure her family was in good hands and supported. What a woman! She will be greatly missed.
Julie Smith L'Heureux
April 11, 2007
To Jen's family and friends:
I wanted to express my deepest sympathies to you. Having known Jen through Open Door theatre and book group, I came to know her as a very warm, friendly, smart and generous person. We will all miss her.
Having lost my sister at a relatively young age to the same disease its very hard to deal with the fate that takes them so quickly and at such a young age. I've tried to understand why them but I like to think of them as shooting stars amoung us ordinary stars. They shine for less time but are much brighter, are seen and admired by more people and illuminate the world more.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Valerie Browne-Mathely
April 10, 2007
I cannot improve on the superlatives about Jen. All I can say is that when I met her, before Bern and Andrew, Myla and Ned, her life goal was to make the best place in the world for Jacob. Her interests were not about her, only about what would be best for Jacob, for his whole life.
Jen's chronicle of her life and illness in the last year has been riveting, emotional and profound. The emails have been an amazing part of my life - Jen and Bern's testament to Jen's life - even though we really all believed that she would continue, have been Jen's gift to us - as well as to her children, who will someday read everything she wrote.
This is an unbearable time for everyone who loved Jen. But for Bern, who is the best husband and will be the best father of those cherished children, and for those children who will never forget their mom, and for the Dorans, I send my most humble love and sympathy.
Jen's favorite sunset shot of the lake
April 10, 2007
Jen's Lake
April 10, 2007
Tamara Cuthbert
April 10, 2007
Jen was one of the first people I met when we moved here from England. On our second day, just after the moving van had left, she welcomed us to the neighbourhood with Andrew and Myla and a plate of cookies. We'd had a horrible time moving and were alone in an empty house with no furniture and a newborn baby to boot. Jen took Olivia out of my arms and remarked on how similar their smiles were (both of them crinkle the tops of their noses when they smile). Jen pretended to be put out and Olivia crinkled even more.
As a friend, neighbor and book group buddy, Jen has been part of my life for the past four years and I will miss her dreadfully. She was a shining example of a woman whose life was in perfect balance.
Her humor, her humanity and her generosity of spirit are what I will remember of Jen and every time Olivia crinkles her nose I'll think of you. Sleep well.
Love Tamara
Jen & Myla september 1999
Francine Waeles
April 10, 2007
Ce qui m'a paru le plus evident quand j'ai rencontre Jen, c'est son amour profond pour ses enfants. Sur cette photo prise il y a 8 ans, cet amour rayonne dans le geste de ses bras, dans son sourire, dans son regard...
Toute notre affection a toi, Bern, et a Jacob, Andrew, Myla et Ned.
Francine et Jean-Pierre
Ann Braden Seigel
April 10, 2007
I was another of Jen's 'wives' in the King & I. She was such a warm, funny, vibrant person, and a great actor. When she screamed 'they will eat us, they will eat us' the fear was contagious. Then she was one of the 'brothers' in Joseph, when I was choreagrapher. She was so afraid she couldn't learn the steps, and then she did it beautifully - adding her own flair. And for 'The Wiz' she helped build group spirit and enthusiasm: 'Rah Rah Ree - Hit em in the knee. 'Rah Rah Raz - Hit em in the other knee!' She cared deeply about so many people, and was thoughtful and generous. I am so sad I won't get to see her again.
Bethany Ericson
April 10, 2007
I pegged Jen as a role model about 25 years ago and she never failed me. I’d been imported from the jr high to play a little kid in a high school musical and met this talented, fun, totally welcoming high school actress and thought “I want to be like her.”
In the ensuing years we reunited in time for me to meet super cool Jacob and this amazing man she was dating (Bern!), see her marry him, meet three more amazing kids, get her frank and always super observant advice on all the major relationships I had until I got it right too. Then she hosted my wedding shower.
She was always full of these amazingly thoughtful and generous moments, even if we spent most of our friendship chatting online…she was there for me at some super isolating traumatic times and further brightened some wonderful events.
This fall and winter she couldn’t sit up, was recovering from the thigh surgery while battling this cancer and still was sending me pregnancy advice and support and gifts out of the blue. She was a mad, noble warrior, and again I thought, “I want to be like her.”
Thank you all for being part of the environment that someone so kind and smart and giving could exist in. I am devastated my daughter has not been born in time to meet her, and am also so grateful I might be a better mom from having known Jen.
Love to all,
Alison Luperchio
April 9, 2007
First I was a wife with Jen in "The King and I," then I was a brother with her in "Joseph" - the "relationships" got a little confusing and we had many fond laughs over it. Jen extended arms of friendship in every direction she turned, and had one of the biggest hearts and most generous souls I've ever met. I will miss her. My love goes out to her entire family.
Mark & Tawnya Carvalho
April 9, 2007
The "guys" and I have known Jen since Junior High School. It seems impossible that she has died. I will always hear and remember her distinctive (rather loud)laugh, her eyes that made upside down smiles when she smiled and her amazing generosity.
jackie, laurence and edward richardson
April 9, 2007
Jen introduced us to the USA and will always be a bright ray of sunshine in our hearts. We will remember for ever her sweetness and generosity of spirit. Rest in peace XXX
Bethany Manning
April 9, 2007
My heart is breaking, but I’m trying to hear what Jen would say… She would lament all that’s been lost and ache for her family and friends, but she would also list all the things she’s thankful for, beginning, of course, with having had Bern, Jacob, Andrew, Myla and Ned to light up her life. So let me say, I’m thankful for having had Jen to light up mine, thankful for the reams of letters we wrote as teenagers when I moved to California, and for the hundreds of emails we exchanged after reuniting – thankfully – after losing touch for several years. Those letters and emails meant so much to me over the years; they were always filled with Jen’s thoughtfulness and humor, and of course they were so well written… I’m thankful for every visit, thankful to have been touched by her good and generous spirit, thankful that she shared with me her intelligence, her frankness and her wit.
Jennifer Doran Haan… I miss you already, oh so much. I know if you were writing this you would have managed to make people smile despite the sadness. I can’t smile yet. But I’ll think of you often for the rest of my life, and I know the day will come when it will make me smile, or even laugh out loud.
My heart goes out to all the Haans, Dorans and other relatives, and to all Jen’s dear friends and extended network as well. Peace.
Pat and Gary Schauberger
April 9, 2007
The loss of Jen, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a friend is too deep to be expressed...May Jen's loved ones find comfort in the love that surrounds them and be warmed by the love that lives within their hearts. With deep sympathy, Pat and Gary
Alison Bullock
April 9, 2007
Bern and family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I was one of the King's wives with Jen in "The King and I", and I remember her so fondly. Such a joyous person. So generous in spirit. I always looked forward to seeing her smile at rehearsals and so enjoyed our get togethers after the play was over. My thoughts are with all of you.
Faith, Chris and Kyle Erickson
April 9, 2007
I have asked myself so many times "how can this possibly be true?" With that said, upon reflection, I have to also say that a shortened life is no less a meaningful life. One only has to look at those four beautiful children and Jen's huge and wonderful circle of friends. Our family feels honored to have known Jen. She showed us how to live and how to die - so full of grace and purpose. She will be missed and always loved.
Denise Bond
April 9, 2007
We stood side by side in the King and I, "married" to the same man, singing our hearts out. Jen made me laugh with comments made under her breath in that soft, sweet voice, made me cry when we shared stories of our lives as women and mothers, and taught me to let go of the past and enjoy the present. She is one of my life's heros. I admire her so, respect her and just love her. I will miss her gorgeous smile and her loving friendship.
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Yearbook 1985
April 8, 2007
Peggy Nazzaro
April 8, 2007
Smile though our heart is breaking, Jen would want that. This world has one less beautiful smile. My heart is with you during this difficult time.
Jean McGrath
April 8, 2007
Dad & Mom
My deepest love and sympathy~~~~
Jennifer's 1st Grade Teacher
Gates School Acton.
Jennifer and my late hubby shared the same birthday...along with fellow classmates...Buck Blum and Spencer Blaker
Fondly,
Jean McGrath
Jen
April 8, 2007
Rae Fenton
April 8, 2007
There are no words adequate to express how this Aunt will miss you. A bright light has been turned off in our lives.
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