Mary Joanne Haun

Mary died from complications of Type 1 diabetes, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, adventure, and love.

Born on January 6th, 1956, and raised in Kettering, Ohio, Mary was the spirited tomboy among five sisters

who eagerly joined her father while hunting and fishing. Those early adventures sparked a lifelong love of the

outdoors, nurtured further during cherished afternoons with her grandmother Gertrude, whose influence would

shape Mary throughout her life.

Mary's adventurous nature led her to spend two summers as a traveling cook with the Wandering Wheels

bicycle tour, which traversed the entire United States. Her love of adventure was perhaps best captured in her

high school graduation gift—a white water rafting trip down the Colorado River. She loved telling the story of

tasting a rattlesnake that was caught and cooked next to the campsite.

A chance meeting in the cafeteria line at Taylor University introduced Mary to Steve Haun, who would become

her beloved husband. They married in 1979, settled in Columbus, Ohio, and in 1985, Mary brought triplets

Luke, Lauren, and Peter into the world after a complicated pregnancy.

As an elementary and middle school art teacher, Mary discovered her calling in nurturing young creativity. Her

talents extended far beyond the classroom: she was celebrated for her culinary expertise, her resourceful DIY

spirit, and her remarkable skills as a Master Gardener. Her green thumb was matched only by her

wanderlust—she traveled to all 50 states and multiple countries, always ready to explore new places. Over the

years, the Haun family made their home in Baltimore, MD, Sioux Falls, SD, and Hudson, WI.

Mary was invariably the first on the dance floor at weddings, cultivated deep friendships that she treasured,

and loved sharing a glass of wine or shot of sambuca with dear friends. Her home was always filled with the

warmth of her beloved Labrador retrievers—Duff, Darby, Madison, and Boo Radley—each holding a special

place in her heart. Continuing her grandmother Gertrude's passion, Mary maintained well-stocked bird feeders

and kept binoculars and field guides at the ready to observe her feathered neighbors.

Mary leaves behind a closet full of cowboy boots, binder of annotated recipes, collection of nature mementos,

and countless warm memories shared with family and friends.

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In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Mary's honor at Breakthrough T1D and Interact Center for

the Visual and Performing Arts

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Mary's honor at Breakthrought T1D and Interact Center for

the Visual and Performing Arts