Ingrid Eileen Haney

Ingrid Eichner Haney, age 80, of Albany, California, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025. She was surrounded by her immediate family and enveloped in love that knew no bounds.

Born at Albany Hospital, she never left Carmel Avenue. Despite this, she led a full and impactful life that took her to many places and touched countless lives.

Ingrid is survived by her husband, Rodney (Rod), who she met at a Star of Finland Christmas party, a gathering for those of Scandinavian descent. Ingrid was the love of Rod’s life and his committed partner in all things; they enjoyed more than 61 years of blissful marriage and raised a family of which they are so proud. Side by side for more than six decades, their love for one another was the stuff of romantic movies while also a glowing example of the love and singular devotion that is the hallmark of a marriage toward which all others should strive.

Ingrid was the glue that held the Haney household together and was the matriarch of our extended family. A devoted mother, she is also survived by her children Sonja (Clive), Gus, Craig (Net), and Sabrina (Cory). She was a doting grandmother to her seven grandchildren and a loving great-grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, and niece. To say she positively impacted so many lives would be an understatement, and her life was a beautiful example of service to, and caring for, those around her. It goes without saying that family was paramount to Ingrid. She never missed any of her kids’ activities whether it was baseball, basketball, or volleyball games or a dance recital or a musical concert. If it involved Sonja, Gus, Craig, or Sabrina, Mrs. Haney was there.

Her love of family led her to her being drafted into the role as Director of Eichner-Haney Family Gatherings. While this lofty position carried no monetary compensation, she took immense pleasure and reward in coordinating massive family celebrations – first it was Easter Sundays then matriculating to her crowning achievement in this endeavor: hosting the family Christmas Eve party. Only once the house on Carmel Avenue was packed to the gills with blood relatives and friends who were chosen family was it really Christmas. Ingrid quietly but deftly directed traffic, fed the masses, and ensured the little ones were left in awe (and almost certainly on a sugar high) after the annual visit from Jolly Old St. Nick, who somehow always found a way to make a personal appearance at the Haney house.

When she wasn’t wrangling the extended family at holiday occasions, or rearing her own children, Ingrid’s selfless volunteerism was on full display. She was a dedicated Little League team mom and supported the organization – from assisting Rod when he was president of the local league, undertaking the behind the scenes tasks that kept the games and seasons going, to even working the concession stand. Ingrid supported many philanthropies, including Canines for Independence and the local SPCA. In addition to being a Girl Scouts leader, the role in which she really stood out was with Job’s Daughters. For 50 years, her devotion to this laudable Masonic service organization saw her ascend from council member to grand officer. Ingrid and Rod treasured their time with the girls of Job’s Daughters and their commitment took them around the state and country as they contributed mightily to the lives and paths of the young women they mentored.

Ingrid also gave of herself to the children of the Marin Elementary School. For more than 40 years, she impacted so many students’ lives as a teacher’s aide, yard teacher, and member of the PTA. In addition to her formal duties, she never hesitated to start a kickball game and even join in. The students will remember she never missed a Halloween parade and always came in full costume. Ingrid’s career at Marin School even spanned two generations of the Haney family as her children and several of her grandchildren attended. She was profoundly honored to be inducted into the Albany Education Foundation Hall of Fame as recognition for her years of exemplary service to Albany’s schoolchildren and the community.

In addition to working hard, she took her leisure time pursuits very seriously. In addition to supporting the Golden State Warriors, she was a die-hard Oakland A’s fan from the time the team arrived in the Bay Area in 1968. In most seasons, 162 times per year, one could find Ingrid in front of a television or in the ballpark for their games. For many years, Ingrid and Rod also made their annual pilgrimage to Arizona for a month to soak up the sun and watch her beloved A’s prepare for another season. During that time, when the spring training game would end, you’d have a decent chance of finding Ingrid and Rod at the local bingo hall. And speaking of warmer climates, Las Vegas was a favorite destination, either to play her favorite penny slots, call out winners at bingo, or catch a concert by her all-time favorite artist, Barry Manilow.

And if nothing else, you knew you could always find Ingrid with a great book in one hand and a Diet Coke in the other, unless of course she was motoring down Solano Avenue in her red 1968 Barracuda convertible. Though she is no longer physically with us, there is no doubt her family, friends, and all who knew her will continue to be influenced by the life and service of Ingrid Haney.

There are no words to express how completely she will be missed by all she touched. The family is immensely grateful for your prayers, love, and support in this difficult time.

As per Ingrid’s wishes, no funeral will be held and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ingrid’s memory by spending time with your loved ones, spoiling your pet (preferably a cat), scratching a lottery ticket, or finding a way to serve others, just as she did.

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