Marian J. Hasara, of Orlando, Florida, formerly of Merrillville, Indiana, passed peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old.
Born on September 21, 1937, in Gary, Indiana, Marian Mynatt grew into a woman known for her warmth, strength, and remarkable ability to connect with others. Above all else, Marian loved her family. She was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a cherished “Nana” whose presence brought joy, laughter, and comfort to those around her.
Marian built an impressive professional and civic legacy. Alongside her late husband, Ronald Hasara, she co-owned and operated Environmental Service Engineers, a successful commercial heating and cooling company in Merrillville, Indiana. Following Ron’s passing, Marian continued to lead the business independently for several years before selling the company and relocating to Florida to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
Her commitment to community service was equally impactful. Marian served as Board Chair of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau (Indiana), where she successfully negotiated and produced a nationally televised teen beauty pageant — a project she was especially proud of and thoroughly enjoyed bringing to life.
After moving to Florida, Marian began a new chapter at Rollins College in Winter Park, where she worked at the Hamilton Holt School. She took great pride in supporting adult education and helping students achieve new opportunities through learning. Her love for Rollins College was deeply personal, as two of her daughters later attended and graduated from the institution, each earning master’s degrees.
Marian was known for her gift of conversation and storytelling. She made friends easily and loved sharing memories of her travels, life experiences, and the many chapters that shaped her journey.
She is survived by her children: John Riddle (Katie), Lori Gieseking (Bill), Rebecca Farmer (JJ), and Jessica Hasara. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Will Riddle (Karolynn), Taylor Brockman (Daniel), Lindsey Riddle, Chloe Conner, Zachary Nappo, Meghan Farmer, and Brianna Farmer; and her great-grandchildren: Liam and Wyatt Riddle, and Charlie and Ridley Brockman.
Marian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Hasara, and her parents, Leo and Lynnea Josephine Mynatt.
In honoring Marian’s wishes, the family will celebrate her life and legacy privately.
Marian’s legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — in the values she modeled, the love she gave freely, and the lives she touched so deeply.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in celebration of Mom’s life to the Rollins College Hamilton Holt School, supporting education and leadership, or to AdventHealth Hospice Care (Central Florida), in gratitude for compassionate end-of-life care.