Susan Mary Haake

1949 - 2022

Susan Mary Haake
November 9, 1949 - September 13, 2022
Kansas City, Missouri - Susan Mary "Susie" Haake passed away peacefully September 13, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Kansas City, MO on November 9, 1949 to Charles G. Haake, Jr. and Jessie L. Haake, she attended Delano Elementary, Visitation Grade School, St. Teresa's Academy and received her Bachelor's degree from Emporia State University. Susie's professional career included 36 years with Hallmark Cards, Inc. working in Research, Inventory Control and as the Employee Volunteer Program Manager. This job was her favorite as she was responsible for all corporate-sponsored volunteer activities, as well as connecting Hallmarkers seeking volunteer opportunities with charities. She enhanced the volunteer program through improved training, better use of technology and establishing a volunteer council. Under Susie's leadership, Hallmark's volunteer force grew to more than one third of all employees. She retired in October of 2008.
Volunteering was a lifelong passion for Susie. She assisted over forty organizations including The Whole Person, Women's Foundation, Women's Employment Network, Harmony, Habitat for Humanity, Stop Violence Coalition, Kauffman Fund, Niles Home for Children, United Cerebral Palsy, Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, and Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center.
Susie participated in the Advisory Councils of The Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City, Women's Employment Network, YMCA Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board, MARC's Community for all Ages Civic Engagement, RideKC Advisory Committee and served on the board of the Loose Foundation. She also advised public and private entities (Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Country Club Plaza, Kansas City Missouri Parking and Wayfinding Subcommittee, Arts Center Garage, Kansas City Repertory Theatre and Commerce Bank) on accessibility and common-sense accommodation for people with disabilities.
We suspect that Susie is consulting with St. Peter about the accessibility guidelines at the gates of Heaven.
Beyond Susie's charity involvement, her life centered around family, MANY, MANY friends and the Plaza. Susie was a strong, independent and feisty woman. Although faced with challenges in her life, she never let those adversities, polio as a child and cancer at the end of her life, slow her down. She inspired many with her determination.
Susie and her family would like to thank all those, including the Visitation Grade School Class of '63, who offered so many prayers for her these past two years.
Through the loving care of staff members at Bishop Spencer Place, Susie made many close friends and we are all grateful for their compassion and attention to Susie's needs.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles G Haake Jr. and Jessie L Haake. She is survived by her sisters Jesdon (Michael J.) McCowen and Janet A. (John W.) Sullivan and brothers Charles G. (Jeanne M.) Haake, and Martin G. (Kathleen S.) Haake, and 23 loving nieces and nephews and 28 great nieces and nephews.
The family suggests contributions to Catholic Charities of NE Kansas, 9720 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212, or The Charles G. Haake Jr. Memorial Scholarship ? Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114
The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 PM on Sunday, September 18th with visitation following from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Cure of Ars Catholic Church on Monday, September 19th, at 10:30 AM.
Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.