It is with great regret that Woodstock Early Bird writes to inform you of the untimely passing of long-time community activist and former head of the English Department at WUHS, Dr. Hasse Halley, who was hit by a pick-up truck and killed this morning on the Rec Center Bridge near her home in Woodstock Village.
She had — as she always does –big projects for this day including coordinating volunteers to help those who lives were decimated by flood waters a month ago. Most immediately in Woodstock’s community, Halley has been integral in tireless work for those in most immediate need.
According to Jeffrey Kahn, the family’s Rabbi is with Hasse’s husband Steve. Members of their congregation are gathering to make food and sit with the family.
This tragic accident and loss to the community happened only an hour or so ago and traffic is still being delayed and detours required around the the Rec Center bridge.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by Julia Carlisle on October 1, 2011 at 11:15
From Donna Stockman:
This is beyond tragic, and I am devastated by the loss. Although I have only known her 2 years, I considered her a loyal and caring friend . What is ironic – and what you should know – is that Hasse has repeatedly complained about how dangerous that area was and that traffic did not obey the speed limit. She was worried about children crossing in the area. The police and town were dismissive and if the driver was speeding, this should serve as inspiration to do something in that area.
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Posted by Seth Callander on October 1, 2011 at 12:12
I am so sorry to hear of this. My family and I have known Hassie and Steve for 40 years, I have called my parents about this, I will never forget her kindness ad dedication to her community, her work and her friends. Our love to Steve and the family.
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Posted by Adrienne Almeida on October 1, 2011 at 13:02
We all have reason to respect and admire Dr. Hasse Halley. I hope the community will think of a fitting memorial to honor a woman of action who had room in her heart for everyone. I am so grateful to have known Hasse. I am even more grateful to have been loved by Hasse. My world will never be the same without her.
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Posted by Nicole Hopkins on October 1, 2011 at 14:20
She was one of the few people that helped me graduate high school when I was having a hard time in school. I will always be greatful to her for that. She will be missed.
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Posted by Jamie Cogswell on October 1, 2011 at 15:01
She was all about the children what a wonderful person she was, It was an honor to have known her. My condolences goes out to her family.
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Posted by Sandi Land on October 1, 2011 at 15:36
At my home, I lit a candle adding calendula flowers to the table for Hasse.(I picked them at 9a.m. this morning) I sat at the table with Wayne Thompson and Jack for about an hour. When we were done, as I snuffed out the candle for Hasse I looked at Wayne and Jack and said, “Get to work up there, Hasse” and then snuffed out the candle. When I took the snuffer away, the candle was relit! Then I said, “Make it work, Hasse” and felt this as a terrific confirmation that Hasse is not going to stop, not no way not no how!!!
With love and warmth to Hasse and her family, Steve and your children and grandchildren,
From Sandi and Jack Rossi
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Posted by Molly McDermott on October 1, 2011 at 16:03
Hasse Halley was one superior being. I have known Hasse for fourteen years, and
her tragic death has come as a total shock….as it has to everyone who knew her.
I loved Hasse for so many reasons. She was a total straight-shooter, but in a kind and
helpful manner….never hurtful. Her brillance blew me away. One example that comes to mind: Hasse could decipher a dilemma or question by refining it down to its core elements and then would come up with a compelling, very thoughtful answer that always intrigued and delighted me! She was a person of tremendous substance and depth who left so much of herself to life. I will never forget the privilege of knowing her.
Love and Blessings to Steve and the entire Halley family,
Molly McDermott
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Posted by Darsie and Bob Riccio on October 1, 2011 at 19:03
Like all of us in Woodstock, we are in shock and just cannot comprehend that Hasse Halle is with us no longer. Her leadership in so many ways is indelible. She had incredible energy and empathy. We will sorely miss her.
Our deepest sympathy to Steve and family. Please know we all share this incalculable loss.
Bob and Darsie Riccio
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Posted by Natalie Billings on October 1, 2011 at 19:15
I am just stunned and deeply saddened by this news. What a loss to Woodstock and the greater world that we have lost such a dedicated and caring woman, teacher, and activist. My sincere condolences to all of the family.
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Posted by Sophia on October 1, 2011 at 19:35
I remember Hasse as one of the teachers who really challenged me academically in school and encouraged the potential she saw in me. She was my AP English teacher and her classes went down in history among my friends and I… from getting a few of us together to publish WUHS’ first literary journal to tap-dancing on the table for our birthdays. Moreover, she was the first academic “Dr.” that I knew as a kid and she definitely inspired me to pursue a path within higher education, which I moved away from Woodstock this past summer to continue (she didn’t miss a beat when I got rejected from Harvard Divinity School, saying “Their loss!”) :P. I had the honor of working for her and Steve at Shiretown Books the year before I left… and I just remember that despite the occasional stresses of juggling running the store with her many other amazing social and civic involvements, she was indefatigable and always had a smile on her face for me, and a twinkle in her eye. She is a hero in Woodstock, and will be loved and missed ’till we all go on to our own rewards, I just know it. Hasse, I wish I could have had the opportunity to thank you for giving me strength, courage and helping me cultivate my voice in this world, and never judging me. I love you!
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Posted by Mollie Martin on October 1, 2011 at 23:26
Julila I am so pleased you posted a tasteful response to the unfortunate death of Hasse Hallley. Her enthusiasm and love for our community is contagious.
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Posted by Nancy Pejouhy on October 2, 2011 at 19:25
Hasse is a force of nature who can’t be be stopped by a mere pick-up truck. Her words and actions will live on in the hearts and minds of the countless people whose lives she embraced.
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Posted by Somnieng on October 2, 2011 at 20:51
Dear Steve and family,
It is very very sad news. The loss of Dr. Hasse Halley is the loss and the sadness of all of us!! I am terribly schocked. I love her, she is respected and she is with us as always. I just reminded my team about two weeks ago that Dr. Hasse Halley is coming late October for sewing school while her counterpart (Cambodian lady who lives in Long Beach with her successful bridal business) would arrive a few days ago. I feel that she is so closed to me and part of my life and family, of course, she is a part of LHA family!!!
This morning again after our morning chanting at 4am, I invited all my 66 monks to do a short meditation and quiet moment for the memory of Dr. Hasse Halley and we will keep doing a few more days. And this morning in my office (LHA office, http://www.lifeandhopeangkor.org) before we start our meeting at 8am, I will lead a few minute quiet moment for her memory. We send my hearts and spirits with you and her family!! In her memory, we will do our best to continue our works and keeps her with us, as to me personally I feel that LHA and its good works is part of everyone who knows me like Dr. Hasse Halley.
We also put her pictures and and some words about her in my office and at the sewing school!!
However, Steve, please be strong!! I know you are very strong man!!! we are all with you!! The death is inevitable, but how to live is the most important thing. For Dr. Hasse Halley, she had done so many great things and for so many people,,, that’s determined who she was and is and different from many others. Let’s all learn from her and make our lives more meaningful each day we live!!!
May Dr. Hasse Halley rest in peace!!!
Dr. Hasse Halley, you are loved and with us always!!
Somnieng,
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Posted by Robin Beers on October 2, 2011 at 23:53
I am so sorry for the Halley family’s loss. My heart goes out to Liza, especially.
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Posted by Amy on October 3, 2011 at 09:11
I will always remember Dr. Halley for being not only a wonderful teacher, but also a great & caring person. I appreciated the way that she always challenged her students to be their best. Even after graduating WUHS, when seeing her she would give me a big hug and ask after my family and myself. Thank you for making my life richer simply by being in it! We love you Dr. Halley.
My thoughts are with her family in this difficult time.
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Posted by Ann B. Miser on October 4, 2011 at 19:24
Dear Steve, Craig, Adam, David, Elizabeth, and Ben. I am beyond grief upon hearing the news of Hasse’s passing. I loved so much spending my early life in Burlington with ALL of you, having the kids walk over with Hasse to see our Christian Christmas tree on Williams Street, visiting you in ALL of your houses (except the ones in Woodstock), discussing with Hasse for hours on end the virtues and vices of teaching English to our students at Essex Junction HS, attending all the Jewish holidays at your house and learning about cooking and cleaning and maintaining kosher–Hasse NEVER trusted me to remember this when I was helping in the kitchen–and she shouldn’t have since we Presbyterians never had to keep so much information in our heads! Oh, my, so many years together, so many memories, so much fun and laughter, so many, many contemplations we shared over the years, from the meaning of life to the color of paint for the upstairs bathroom. As this tragedy continues to unfold for all of you, I hope it helps to know that one of her truly blessed friends still thinks of her and loves her with all of my heart. I will say a prayer for her with the knowledge that she will hear it and know that although it is tinged with great sorrow, it mostly is just a great big hello and a request to plan some celebration for us to enjoy together when it is my time to greet her again. All my love to all of you with the hope that peace will find its way into all of your hearts. Ann B. Miser, Hilo, Hawaii
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