Ada Pinga Hass

Born Ada Saavedra Pinga on October 3rd , 1944 in the Margosatbuig, Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines. She was one of 10 children born to Judge Edmundo S Pinga and Pantaleona S Pinga. Ada spent her childhood living in Zamboanga City and graduated from Universidad De Zamboanga (formerly Z.A.E.C.) in 1961 before moving to Manila to attend University of the East where she graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1967.

In 1971, Ada was the only of her siblings to move to the United States. While living in Los Angeles, she met her future husband, Jeremy Dennis Hass. After making him wait until she got her green card on her own merit, they were married in the Old Mission in Santa Barbara on April 4, 1976. She gave birth to her only daughter, Melinda Judith Hass, on October 31, 1977.

After moving to the US, Ada no longer had interest in pursuing dentistry. During her professional career, she worked as a medical claims examiner and retired from Sansum Clinic in 2007.
Ada had many passions aside from her work. She loved animals and always had multiple pets in the house. She enjoyed sewing and shared this passion with her daughter. The many hours they spent making clothes and costumes together eventually led to her daughter’s successful career in fashion.
Ada was an amazing cook and loved to feed people. She was a master at preparing traditional Filipino dishes, as well as American and international cuisines. Coming from a large family, she was happy to cook for big parties and bake sales, either for her daughter’s school, or the Filipino Community Center, where for many years she sat on the Board of Directors.

Ada Pinga Hass passed away on January 3rd , 2020 in Zamboanga City, Philippines, surrounded by family.

Her her husband Jeremy Hass passed away on June 30th , 2014. She is survived by her daughter Melinda “M’Lynn” Hass, son-in-law Robert Ciano, and her siblings, Amando “Boy” Pinga, Elena Gaceta, Nora Cordero, and Eden Villena, as well as her two cats Bubbles and Pretty Boy.
A celebration of her life will be held on February 22, 2020 at 3:00pm at the Filipino Community Center, 425 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101