Elizabeth Wolferman Haupert

San Leandro - Elizabeth Wolferman Haupert, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cherished friend, and a second mother or grandmother to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on June 2, 2025.

Born on October 17, 1933, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Elizabeth was the daughter of Elizabeth Moulton Wolferman and Dr. Sidney Jonas Wolferman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Selby Haupert, her parents, and her sister, Linda Wolferman Haupert.

Elizabeth (Liz) graduated from Fort Smith High School and then attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts and Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, graduating with a B.A. in Zoology in 1954. In 1981, at age 48, she obtained her M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Arkansas.

After graduating from college, Liz and Selby moved to Rockford, Illinois, where she began her impassioned teaching career at Rockford College, teaching Anatomy and Physiology. In Fort Smith, she returned to the classroom after raising her young children, teaching mathematics and science at Saint Anne's Academy and Christ the King School. Following her master's degree, Liz taught mathematics at Northside High School from 1981 to 1997, serving as chair of the Mathematics Department from 1985 to 1997. She concluded her formal teaching career in 1999 at Belle Point Alternative School in Fort Smith.

Liz received numerous accolades, including the Arkansas-Oklahoma Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award from the Mathematical Association of America, the Chamber of Commerce Leadership in Education Award, and the Leadership in Education Award from Phi Delta Kappa. Yet, nothing meant more to her than the heartfelt cards and notes from students expressing their gratitude for her guidance.

Deeply committed to her community, Liz served as President of the Fort Smith Public Library Board, the Junior League of Fort Smith, and the Saint Edward Mercy Medical Center Development Corporation Board. She Co-chaired the United Way Residential Campaign and was Vice-president of the Learning Academy Board. She also served as a board member for Hobson Preschool, Sebastian County Mental Health Association, Community Concert Association, Fort Smith Art Center, and Fort Smith Girls Club. She was on the Board of Directors for Deposit Guaranty National Bank. She was a Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith and taught the Women's Bible Class, and later became a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, where she was also a Ruling Elder.

At the age of 86, during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with her two beloved cats, Sassy and Ocee, Liz moved to San Leandro, California, to be near members of her immediate family. She developed a strong community in her new town.

She joined Bethel Community Presbyterian Church and became a Ruling Elder and was Clerk of the Session. She volunteered for three hours weekly at the San Leandro Community Food Pantry, which serves hundreds of families and individuals who struggle to make ends meet. A lover of challenging games, she learned to play the Chinese version of Mahjong, coached by some of the women who lived alongside her in a senior community. She nurtured relationships across diverse cultures and generations. Living nearby her grandchildren and great-grandchild, she was able to form even deeper bonds with them. She delighted in their frequent company, and they, in turn, were blessed by her love, wisdom, support, and kindness.

Liz (Gran) was deeply devoted to her family and friends. She gave unconditionally, offering acceptance, love, and a listening ear to all. By her example, she transformed the lives of her family, closest friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Liz (Gran) leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her children, Lisa Haupert and husband Lee Jones, and John M. Haupert and husband Bryan Brooks; Bryan's sister and her wife, Brenda and Judy Brooks; grandchildren John R. Haupert, David Haupert and wife Mary Macaluso-Haupert; great-grandchild Elena Catherine Haupert; nieces Sydney Lynn Haupert and Selby Lee Haupert and their families; and a host of cousins and dear friends. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice, the San Leandro Community Food Pantry (P.O. Box 3734, San Leandro, CA 94578; www.slcfp.org), or Bethel Community Presbyterian Church (14235 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro, CA 94578; https://bethelcommunitysl.org/give). The family also invites you to read the poem "In Lieu of Flowers" by Shawna Lemay.