Mary Ann (Slaker) Haas, 84
Mary Ann (Slaker) Haas, of Acton, the beloved wife for almost 50 years of William L. Haas, died peacefully on October 15, 2025, at age 84.
Born in the Bronx, New York, on December 9, 1940, Mary Ann was the eldest of three daughters of Mary and Frank Slaker. Mary Ann was an excellent student, receiving the general excellence medal upon both her graduation from St. Frances of Rome School and from St. Gabriel High School. She was awarded a full scholarship to the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale. She graduated with a bachelor’s in chemistry and was employed as a chemist by Lederle Laboratories. In 1964, she joined AT&T as a computer programmer. She worked for startup companies in Manhattan as programmer, analyst, and sales support. Mary Ann then joined CIT Financial, as director of computer education. During this period, she attended New York University and received her MBA in information systems and in management, graduating with distinction.
During this period, Mary Ann met her future husband, Bill, in New York City. They married in 1976 and moved to Acton. She spent the next 16 years working for Digital Equipment Corp., where she managed the Customer Support Center. At Digital, she served on the Corporate Contributions Committee for Women’s Education and Advancement and promoted women’s education in science and mathematics. She also started the New England chapter of Women in Information Processing and served as its first president.
Mary Ann enjoyed an active retirement. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed golfing, gardening, and travel.
Bill and Mary Ann were members at Nashawtuc Country Club, and for over 30 years they were members of the Acton-Carlisle couples bridge group. Mary Ann was also a member of the Acton Garden Club.
At home, Bill and Mary Ann both fondly enjoyed their little shih tzus Teddy, Suzie, and Daisy. Family and friends were the most important part of Mary Ann’s life. She enjoyed providing a vacation in Acton for her niece and nephews from New York and loved hosting holidays for the family. She enjoyed cooking and baking and displayed her abilities at many gatherings with friends.
She is survived by her husband Bill; sister Terri Sorel; nephews Jason and Jeffrey Sorel; and great-nieces and great-nephew. She will be deeply missed. Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents; her sister Joan Irizarry; her nephews Frank and Nick Irizarry; and her niece, Tricia Prentice.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Acton Center, on Thursday, October 23, from 6-8 p.m. Mary Ann’s funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 24, at 11 a.m. in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Acton Center. Burial will follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Acton.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. To share a memory or to offer a condolence on Mary Ann’s tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
