Barbara Beatriz Hahn, enjoyed helping others
Barbara Beatriz “Lauren” Hahn, 63, of Rehoboth Beach, suddenly passed away with family by her side, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Her loss is completely unexpected, and her family and friends are profoundly saddened.
Barbara was born April 30, 1960, at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, N.C. She is survived by her mother, Beatriz; her sister, Marta; her brother, Eddie and his wife Veronica of Brooklyn, and their children Cruz and Vega; her sister, Malti and her husband Keith of Virginia, and their son Miles; and many loving friends and extended family members. Barbara’s father, Robert Hahn, passed away in 1997.
Known as Barbara to her family, and Lauren to her friends, she grew up with the pride and loyalty of a military brat. It’s more than likely where she understood the importance of serving others. As a teen, Lauren moved with her family to the Republic of Panama, where she found a part-time job as a candy striper. This experience of helping people in need would have a profound effect on her that would last a lifetime. When she and her family returned home to the United States, she quickly earned her nursing license. Her primary focus was senior care in various hospitals and senior living centers in the DMV area. She eventually fell in love with the Rehoboth Beach/Lewes area and moved there permanently in the early ‘90s.
Lauren’s compassionate nature extended beyond nursing to many furry four-legged souls over the years. She loved all forms of animals, from the exotic ones found in Panama, to the native sea life of the Delmarva Coast. But what truly brought her joy was dogs. She owned quite a few during her life and treated them with unconditional love. Lauren enjoyed her beach walking adventures on the sands of Rehoboth with her beloved canines and often invited the dogs of her friends and neighbors. Dogs taken in by Dog Humane Partners and the Delaware Humane Association also benefitted from Lauren’s kind heart. She dedicated time to finding appropriate homes for many abandoned or abused pups. During the COVID pandemic shelter in place, Lauren brought joy to residents of her community by initiating a now-annual Halloween dog parade that put smiles on the faces of many neighbors and pets.
Lauren was a fun-spirited soul and relished the myriad summer activities Rehoboth offers with her nephews and niece, Miles, Cruz and Vega. She wasn’t an aunt who would observe the fun; she loved joining in on the good times and tasty boardwalk treats. She loved riding the go-karts at Midway, firing off the water cannons at White Water Mountain, sharing a white pizza with her mother from Grotto’s, and watching the surf fishermen with her dachshunds, Heidi and Gretchen. We will all cherish the memories of summer in Rehoboth with Aunt Barbara.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, March 8, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends and family may visit beginning at 10 a.m. A gathering will follow at Lewes Senior Activity Center from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of floral arrangements, consider a donation to Lauren’s favorite charity, Delaware Humane Association.
The family of Lauren wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Judy Pierson and Mary Malone.
