Leona T. Haas, age 98, passed away on August 19, 2025 in Maitland, Florida.  Formerly of Daytona Beach, Florida and Toledo, Ohio, Leona was born in 1926 to Leo J. and Hazel Pauken of Maumee, Ohio.

Leona graduated from Mary Manse College in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education.  After college graduation she was elected to Kappa Gamma Pi, National Catholic Honor Society.  She also studied sculpture in Monterey, Mexico, and taught art throughout her life.

Leona was a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society.  She was a past president and life member of the Toledo Artists Club, and a life member of the Art League of Daytona Beach.  She received numerous awards in juried and non-juried shows, including three Grumbacher Gold Medals, a Winsor & Newton Award, and several best of show awards.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, William L. Haas.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Joanne Hogan, Joseph Pauken, Norman Pauken, and Donald Pauken.  Leona is survived by three daughters, Suzanne Simonel (Charles), Claudia Bishop (Richard), and Barbara Towle (Michael); grandchildren Alex Bishop (Alison Reid), Dr. Eric Bishop (Megan), David Towle (Laura), and Steven Towle; brother Charles Pauken (Jayne); four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange, Florida on September 4, 2025 from 3 to 6 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Port Orange, Florida, on September 5, 2025 at 11 am.  Burial will be at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vitas Community Connection.