Ilene Mae Haskin

August 25, 1929 - August 29, 2020

Ilene Mae (McLaughlin) Haskin August 25, 1929 - August 29, 2020 Ilene was very proud to be a life-long Dearborn citizen. It was the center of her universe. Her father, brother and uncle worked for the City. Growing up, Ilene, her mother Josie, and her siblings all worked at the Circle movie theater on Warren. One of her grandfathers was the owner of the Alps Café on Schaefer, and her other grandfather owned a “modern” barber shop in the Schaefer Building on Michigan Ave. Ilene graduated in 1948 from Fordson High School. Her devoted husband of 63 years, Richard Harley Haskin, was a 1947 graduate of St. Alphonsus. Richard’s parents owned a grocery store on Warren Ave. in East Dearborn. Family involvements included the Dearborn Thunderbirds little league Football, whereas Richard was General Manager, Ilene was Director of Cheerleading. Susie was a cheerleader, and Rick was a player on the team. Hockey was the other activity that consumed the Haskin family for several years. Richard was the coach for the multi-championship team, Sunnyside Markets. They would play over 70 games per year, at a time that was pre-travel teams, and such a schedule was very uncommon. Ilene did much of the administrative work for the team from home, yet present for every game with daughter Susie. Although Ilene was small and might be hard to spot in the crowd, her cowbell could always be heard ringing and commemorating each of their team’s goals throughout the arenas. Rick and Susie shared their mother with the team, as she served as a “den mother” occasionally sewing a torn jersey, or providing a band aid, or just a cheerful word. (She was always prepared to help.) Post athletic events, Ilene continued to manage her household, raise her family, and care for the two Dobermans. She also took up crocheting and would spend hours creating afghan throws which she would often give as gifts. In 1990, she was blessed with her only grandson, Nikolas. They spent many hours playing with Legos, while grandpa looked on. She would walk Nik to the park, make his special treats, and seemed to always be picking him up clothing, toys, and later, things that he would use for his props for his films. Ilene was thoughtful and generous. There were always cards and letters to be sent to family and friends for birthdays, and other occasions which she never forgot. Her preferred transportation was walking (she never learned to drive), which everyone in the neighborhood recalled. Her daily trips to Danny’s store on Telegraph, and walking to rummage sales, talking to all of those neighbors along the way. “Never was heard, a discouraging word.” When she was upset, she would never use the common exclamations “sh--, or damn”. It was always “oh sugar, or darn.” I have never known her speak a negative word about anyone, not to say that there weren’t ever any opportunities to do so. Although her family was poor growing up, she was always willing to work, and to care for her younger siblings. (She was the eldest of six). Her whole life had been lived simply (although not without some difficulty). Her simplicity and naiveté were part of her charm and innocence, but also was deceptive in that she possessed a worldly wisdom, and a certain all-knowingness, that only at closer familiarity of her would reveal. She always saw the humor in life, and had a great sense of humor, although often “corny”. She loved to rhyme, and rarely missed an opportunity to do so. Even over the past few years as her health and independence diminished, when asked how she was doing, after she told you, she would always follow with, “I’m not complaining, just explaining.” Of all the wonderful things that I could say about my mom, or the stories about her that I could tell, it was the epiphany that I had about her several years ago, that will stay with me forever. It sums up the very essence of her. When I would take her to a store, restaurant, or the credit union, at some point I began “witnessing “my mother’s influence on others. She spoke to many, and always would extend the most sincere compliments to them. “Your hair always looks so pretty. You look like a movie star.” “That color goes so well with you.”” What a sharp outfit. That looks so good on you.” I began noticing, that when she would speak, that others would stop, look towards her, listen, and smile. It happened all of the time. When younger people spoke with her, they would often follow up with, “Can I hug you?” or “You remind me so much of my grandmother who is no longer with us. Can I hug you?” Mom would be surprised, but often accommodate. She was totally naïve about the quality that she emanated, that was so obvious to others. In the past few years, as her dementia increased at times, and the COPD became worse, as she recovered from COVID, and healed from fractured ribs, a fractured arm, and a fractured hip, and from spending many days in isolation at the hospital and in rehab, she remained strong and brave the whole time. In her last several weeks, she was calm and peaceful at the wood- surrounded, serene environment of the Grand Oak residence. As she declined the past few years, she missed her walks and independence. For the past few months, with almost every visit or call, she told Susie and me that she appreciated everything that all of us were doing, and that she didn’t take it for granted. She told us that she loved us all, and appreciated all of the thoughts and prayers from family and friends, and to send her love to them. She couldn’t believe that so many remembered her, and to even think to ask about her. Mom was fascinated by angels and would collect pictures, statues, and likenesses of them. I think that it could be said that she was their representative here on earth. Ilene Mae (McLaughlin) Haskin passed at age 91 on August 29, 2020. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years Richard Haskin. Also preceded in death by her late parents, Josephine (Kniep) McLaughlin, and Harold McLaughlin; her late sisters, Kathy Deschoff (Richard), Sharon Walker (Phil); and brother, Carl the “Coach” McLaughlin (Jan). Ilene is survived by her loving son, Richard Haskin (Pierette); and daughter, Ilene Susie Haskin Colovas (Ron); and adoring grandson, Nikolas Haskin (Ashley). She is also survived by brothers Harold “Jack” McLaughlin (Bev), and James “Jim” McLaughlin (Darlene). Also surviving her are twenty three nephews and nieces, and many grand nephews and nieces. We will always remember you with love, and hear the song that you and dad chose to be your own, “It had to be you.” As per Ilene’s wishes, a private cremation has been arranged. A Celebration of Ilene’s Life will be held at a later date. Please feel free to leave a condolence or share a story on Ilene’s Tribute Wall for the Haskin Family. "In lieu of flowers," please make a donation to the Dearborn Historical Museum. Checks can be made payable to the: Museum Guild of Dearborn, in honor of Ilene Mae Haskin. Museum Guild of Dearborn 915 South Brady Dearborn, Michigan 48124