Dorisann Haug

Dorisann A. Haug, born on December 5, 1931, in Orange, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at her Lakeside, Willow Valley residence.

The eldest of Emily and James F. Riley’s three children, Dorisann grew up in New Jersey alongside brother Jim and, years later, baby brother Denis. After one year at Chestnut Hill College, she transferred to Upsala College, where she majored in history and French and met Robert W. Haug, her husband of 54 years.

After college, Dorisann applied her French fluency as an insurance underwriter. In 1955, she married Robert W. Haug, and they settled in Toms River, NJ. Soon, discovering her true calling, she began teaching at Forked River Elementary. Over the next decade, she earned a master’s degree and devoted herself to educating students with learning challenges, continuing until the birth of her daughter in 1966.

When she was ready to return to work, teaching opportunities were scarce, prompting Dorisann to ingeniously transform her passion for antiquing into a thriving business. Alongside her husband, she co-owned and operated Cedar House Antiques for over 36 years, traveling to and attending more than 900 antique shows across the United States.

In 1985, following Bob’s retirement, they settled into a historic house in Strasburg, Pa. Dorisann continued her community involvement by serving on the Strasburg Borough Council, humorously claiming to have learned more than she ever intended about municipal water systems. In 1995, they moved to Willow Valley, embracing the community, which became her home for the next thirty years.

"One person’s junk is another’s treasure" wasn’t just a saying for Dorisann—it was her mission. She devoted many years to the rummage sale at Christ Church Toms River, then parlayed that knack for hidden gems into the title of Willow Valley Lakes’ "Queen of Cash & Carry." In 2017, when a car accident forced her retirement, it famously took six people to fill her shoes.

An avid reader, Dorisann, cherished her quiet time, often devouring a mystery or romance novel each night after the family had gone to bed. Over the years, she and her sister-in-law, Carolyn, shared favorite series, swapping recommendations and dissecting plot details. During COVID, keeping her stocked with fresh reading material proved a real challenge; once lockdowns lifted, her weekly trips to the Willow Valley Lakes Library became one of her greatest joys.

She had a strong desire for happiness, both for herself and for those around her. Her favorite piece of scripture was Psalm 100. During her time at Lakeside, her windowsill of plants was another source of happiness. Her windows were decorated with butterflies, and after placing them during a 2024 move, she noted the room truly felt like home. Obtaining these beloved items often brought out her directive or bossy side when giving her children instructions on what to purchase or where to place an item.

In addition, she enjoyed family dinners. When her children were little, these were often held after church on Sunday at her in-laws’ house. In her later years, it involved meals brought in or trips to the Lakes dining room. And whenever a guest arrived, she delighted in sharing stories about her children.

Her family extends their deepest gratitude for the compassionate care Dorisann received during her extended stay at Willow Valley Lakeside.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary-Elise Haug of Highlands, NJ; her son, Theodore Haug, and her cherished “daughter-in-law,” Kimberlee Kleine—both of Mount Gretna, PA; and her granddaughter, Olivia. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert W. Haug.

A celebration of Dorisann's life will be held at the Willow Valley Lakes Auditorium on July 18, 2025 at 11 AM. A private burial service will take place at St. Edward's Episcopal Church, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willow Valley Lakes Library or one of Dorisann's local Episcopal churches, St. James Lancaster. Pa or St. Edward's, Lancaster, Pa.