Ethel-Mae Haave
1916–2015

Ethel-Mae Haave, 98, Muncie, Ind., died peacefully at home March 1, 2015. She was born in Winona, Minn., in 1916 to Carl and Anna (Schossow) Haave. In 1937 she graduated from the College of St. Teresa in Winona and began a lifelong career in academia with an emphasis on English literature.

In 1948 she accomplished a feat uncommon for women of her generation and earned a Ph.D. in English from Yale University, publishing "Herman Melville's Pierre: A Critical Study." Haave continued her career at the University of Rochester and at East Carolina College before being appointed assistant professor of English at Ball State University in 1956, retiring there as a full professor in 1986.

Haave was an excellent tennis player and continued to play into her early 90s. She died as she lived, on her own terms. Survivors include a niece, Elizabeth Dougherty (Gerald) of Gettysburg, Pa., and many, many friends.

"It's wonderful that Ethel-Mae left a $10,000 bequest to FFRF," said Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. "We offer sincerest condolences and are so grateful that she valued FFRF's work to that degree. Her support will help ensure our work continues into the future."