Marion Elizabeth (Hake) Hauser, 98, beloved matriarch of an ever-growing family, passed away peacefully Friday, May 24, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at her home.

A British war bride with a uniquely American story, Marion’s life was a testament to her courage, wisdom and grace. These traits were apparent to all of those family and friends who knew and loved her.

The daughter of Mary and Baden Hake, Marion was born Feb. 12, 1926, in Bristol, England.

Growing up in Bristol during the German Blitz of Britain, Marion vividly recalled hunkering down in her family’s backyard bunker as a teenager. As bombs fell around her, Marion grew ever-closer to her brother, Dr. Rodger Hake, and sister, Dorothy Mary.

That indelible bond Marion forged with her siblings remained an important aspect of her life, as she stayed in close contact with her brother and sister until her passing.

World War II also touched Marion’s life in unexpectedly positive ways. It was during the war that 1st Lt. Paul Eugene Hauser, who was serving the US Army in Bristol, met Marion. Charmed by her beauty – both inside and out – Paul vowed he would make Marion his wife at the war’s end.

They married on Nov. 2, 1945, just six months after Germany’s surrender.

With the war over and Paul recalled to the United States, the couple were not separated for long. Shortly after his departure, Marion boarded the Queen Mary along with many other British war brides, leaving behind their homes for permanent residence in the United States.

Paul and Marion settled down in Steubenville and remained there for the remainder of their lives. Paul established Hauser Furniture Company, in Steubenville, and Marion appeared in many advertisements for the company, which remains in operation.

Hauser Furniture was not Marion’s only occupation, as she also spent time working for Powers Modeling, where she traveled the country doing various modeling assignments.

In the mid-1960s, Marion opened The French Room beauty salon, located inside the Ft. Steuben Hotel. Her beauty, style and fashion insights were well-utilized in the salon and she enjoyed sharing her tips and techniques with the community.

Above all else, Marion’s life revolved around her family.

Paul and Marion had three children, Louise Sylvia, Jeanne Marie, and Martin Charles.

The family spent many summers and winters in Singer Island, Fla., where Marion and Paul owned a condominium. The couple also traveled extensively across the globe, always together.

In 2013, Paul preceded Marion in death. Her later years were spent mostly with her family and friends, many of whom will recall her extensive English Garden, which she took great pride in maintaining, along with her daily conquering of New York Times crossword puzzles.

A voracous reader, Marion's expertise of English history was extensive. The many bookcases spanning her home stand as a monument to Marion's pursuit of knowledge. She could often be found in a quiet room, sipping tea and flipping the pages of a cherished text.

Proficient with needle and yarn, knitting was another of Marion's many talents acquired over the course of her life.

Known as “La” or “Nana” by her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she brought joy to all she encountered with her quick wit, easy laugh and loving smile.

Marion is survived by sister, Dorothy Mary (Hake) McDonald; brother, Dr. Rodger Baden Hake (Liz); three children, Louise Sylvia (Hauser) Glenn, Jeanne Marie (Hauser) Newman (Dick), and Martin Charles Hauser (Donna); four grandchildren, Heidi Rose Glenn (Joe), Aaron David Newman (Amy), Ashley Richard Newman, and Natalie Evelyn Hauser Ahwesh (Sam); four great-grandchildren, Joey Easley, Cooper Easley, Ada Easley, and Nash Newman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to acknowledge the devotion, skill, and compassion of Lisa Fetty, who served as Marion's primary caregiver for the last several years of her life.

She was preceded by parents, Mary and Baden Hake; husband, Paul Eugene Hauser; brother-in-law, Leo McDonald; and son-in-law, Don Glenn.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Steubenville City Schools Foundation c/o Hauser Furniture, 420 N. 4th Street, Steubenville, OH, 43952, or the Jefferson County Humane Society, 200 Airpark Drive, Wintersville, OH, 43953.