Carol Dawn Haase

With both great sorrow and great peace, the Haase, Ciaramitaro, Grell, Miller, and Rogers families announce the passing of our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Carol Dawn Haase, into the heavenly Kingdom of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit on December 11, 2024. As Carol’s body unjustly succumbed to cancer - her heart, soul, and mind, divinely soared to extraordinary heights during the final six months of her life! She has shown us how to live, serve, and die in the love of Christ.

Carol is survived and missed by her dear daughter, Rachael Haase, and her precious grandchildren, Peyton and Harper Ciaramitaro and their extended family, her loving mother and father, Ann Grell and Lewis Rogers, and their extended families, her siblings and their extended families, Brenda Rogers, Diane Miller, and brother-in-law John Miller and their children and grandchildren and extended families, Bruce and sister-n-law Sally Rogers, and their children and extended families, along with many dear friends and neighbors.

Carol’s career and contributions to our local community included over 17 years of service in the legal field and in social services in Deland and Daytona Beach, Florida. Carol held a college degree in Human Services, a National Legal Assistant Certification and a Florida State Real Estate license. She held multiple professional positions serving marginalized individuals and families in the circuit courts, in drug court, with local attorneys, with legal services, with the homeless coalition, and in local shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

In addition to these roles, Carol engaged in a host of personal service ventures which flowed from her deep love for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Carol founded her own non-profit business called “Trail of Hope” which she named after a national fundraiser her brother Bruce founded, called “Journey of Hope.” Carol used her enjoyment of photography to create beautiful nature photographs on canvas with inspirational sayings, and then donated these works of art to local faith-based organizations. Carol also led and rallied others to give, love, and serve shut-ins, the elderly in nursing homes, and complete strangers.

Throughout her life, Carol’s greatest devotion has been to her dear daughter Rachael, an avid equestrian competitor, trainer, and coach, and to her precious granddaughters, Peyton, 10 years old, and Harper, 8 years old who are following in their mother’s admirable footsteps. Carol has given countless hours to her family sharing in the interests and adventures of her daughter, fostering creative play times with Peyton and Harper, filling the lives of her grandchildren with arts and crafts, life skills coaching and playful fun. Carol also loved animals and has cared for all the animals that her family brought her way!

Carol’s is best known for her “heart of gold” and the gracious hospitality and encouragement she gave to everyone who crossed her path. During her last days, her home became a holy sanctuary of love for her family and friends, who visited with her day and night. While suffering and in pain, her heart was filled with a deep and indescribable love, peace, and gratitude which touched everyone in her presence with a sense of the presence of a mighty and loving God. She was overflowing with thankfulness for “the gentleness of God” and “the love of family and friends.” During her last days, Carol asked that we would all continue to care for ourselves, and to care for one another well, remembering to gather often.

Carol’s favorite Bible verse, which she was working to memorize in her last days was Philippians 4:4-9; She mentioned her special focus on verse 8 in her journal: “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” The next verse reflects Carol’s hope for us; “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” May we all continue to live out Carol’s legacy of loving well.

We are all forever grateful to family, friends, and caretakers who were a part of Carol’s life. You are invited to Carol’s Celebration of Life, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at First Presbyterian Church Deland, in the Main Sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. You may share personal words on behalf of Carol at the Legacy website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to her daughter, Rachael Haase and her children. Along with families and friends, we are thankful for the support of Home Instead, Halifax Hospice, Lankford Funeral Home, and First Presbyterian Church, Deland.