Anne Marie Hetzer, age 64, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 6, 2020. She was born October 25, 1956 in Rochester, NY to Carmen and Virginia Manzoni. For forty-three years, she was married to the love of her life, James (Jim) Hetzer.
Anne Marie eventually succumbed to her four-year battle with ovarian cancer, but she was never defined by it. Her primary passion in life was taking care of her family, and her greatest joy was being called “nana” everyday by her grandchildren.
Her personality could be larger than life. An old-school Italian lady through and through she would cook, clean, and bark orders with the best of them. Beloved by her family, adored by her friends, feared by anyone who dare cross her; Anne Marie was the strongest woman one would ever meet.
She is survived by her sons Daniel James (Rachel) and Kevin James; grandchildren, Abigail, Daniel, and Abel; sister, Cecilia Hajecki (Richard); She is also survived by her sister in-law Deborah West (Mike), and brother-in-law’s Ken Hetzer (significant other Michelle), Gary Hetzer (Penny); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers.
A special thank you to her cousin Dina Aman who was there by her side, holding her hand, and offering her the finest level of compassion – a true angel – as mom took her last breath.
A memorial service and luncheon will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (orcahope.org) on her behalf.
She fought until the end. She loved her family above all else and never wanted to leave them. We have great memories, laughs and daily talks. It’s going to be a long time before I can truly believe she’s gone. Rest in Peace, I will miss you so much. We called each other BFF’s……because we were.
My best friend of 45 years is gone to a place with no more suffering and pain. Her infectious spirit will live on in the memories of raising our children, friends vacations, and being there for each other. I will hold them dear to my heart forever. I will miss our Saturday talks, dinners when we went home but most of all you. Rest In Peace until we meet again. Love you ….will miss you.
Sincere condolences to Jim and your family. I am devastated at the loss of my dear friend, a member of my “Italian girlfriends,” a group who have been amici for over 40 years. I will miss our weekend dinners and disco dancing with our couples’ clique, memories from many years ago and often wish that we could have kept up that tradition were it not for changing times. Anne Marie’s laugh, generosity and opinions will forever live in my heart. I will miss her “stern talkings to” when she would disagree with me (but then I would realize she was spot on). I am especially grateful to Anne Marie for the inspiration, encouragement and support she gave to my daughter, who herself is battling cancer. May you rest in peace, Anne Marie, and when I look up at the heavens and spot a particularly bright star, I will be comforted in knowing that the star is you.
If cleanliness is truly next to Godliness, i expect Ree is with St. Peter telling everyone to remove their shoes before passing through the Pearly Gates! 🙁
She loved her family and friends sooo much. She was willing to try whatever the docs threw her way to fight through her cancer diagnosis. She didn’t want to leave any of us. We will miss her very much! Sending love to family and friends……
Mike and Deb West
Anne Marie,😒 you one special person and always worry about others before yourself and Love by all!! You’re gone too soon 😥but probably in a hurry to raise hell and heaven with your cousin Mickey, and parents R .I .P.
Sincere condolences to Anne Marie’s family. Her children and grandchildren were the lights of her life. Her husband was her special angel during her illness. Anne Marie, I will miss your beautiful smile and infectious laugh. It was always so much fun to hangout with you. Whether it was disco dancing with the guys, or just lunch with the girls. Rest in peace my dear girlfriend.
Anne Marie has been a spark plug in our lives. Everything that love could do was done. Anne Marie helped me out in many “respects” during my illness time. Jim, Danny and Kevin, we who knew and loved Anne Marie have some idea how great your loss truly is.
I miss you already. All of our phone calls and long talks and you never once gave in or would say you were in pain though I knew you were. You helped me through my cancer journey and always gave me the encouragement I needed. Don’t be too busy keeping them all in line up there, it’s now time for you to rest in perfect peace. Love you.
Anne Marie was enjoyed by so many at #19 School. I enjoyed getting her phone call as she called to thank me for cards I sent. I appreciated her help and when she looked out for my son at the School of the Arts. I send sincere condolences to her husband and her family who she often lovingly spoke of. She was taken much too soon and my sympathy goes out to you. I am sure you will all lovingly remember the times she was here with you on earth. Thinking of you and of Anne Marie. Rest in peace Anne Marie.
Cecilia and family-you have my very deepest sympathy. She’s with her wonderful parents Carmen “Beefy” and Virginia. God Bless. Love, Camille
Sending sincere condolences to her family. Anne Marie was a bright light put out too soon. She can fly with the angels now! I know all the children who left us too soon will be welcoming her to heaven. RIP, dear friend!
Dear Jim, Danny & family Kevin & Ceil ,
I am so sorry about AnnMarie…. praying God’s peace & presence are with all of you and that He is holding you in the palm of His hands.
So sorry for your loss. She was an awesome lady and will be missed by all I’m sure.
I am so so sad to hear this news !! Anne Marie was one of the strongest women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting !! She made me smile and laugh even when she was angry and/or frustrated with things !! Her “trucker mouth” to vent in some of our phone conversations always made me hope I helped – even just for the moment. I will miss her – but I know that she is free from illness now and soaring with the angels !! My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family and when I see Jim and/or Kevin – I will at least be able to share a memory and possibly tears the first time – but then a smile – as I know she would want people to do !!! Live each day to the fullest and like it’s your last – because you just never know !! Soar High Anne Marie !!
We were glad to have met you in this life we sure had some good times together. You were lucky to be born into wonderful family sharing many, many good times.
I always loved the idea you lived by your sister just like me. Rest in peace you’ll be in our prayers. Happy Trails…
Our deepest sympathy and love to you all during this time of grief.
Dear Jim and Family – Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Annmarie was a special lady. Love, George and Kristine Magin
Jim, Kevin, Danny and Families, So many others have expressed so we’ll what we would say. We are soooo sorry for her passing. No more pain, no more suffering, but we will miss her forever and ever. We wish God’s Peace to you all. Love from, Ken and Michele
Anne Marie was the house secretary at School of the Arts when I worked there. She knew the answers to all our questions and directed us appropriately.
Love the photo you posted because it conveys her energy and she looks ready to talk to us. Because of Anne Marie I called on the services of Loved
Ones Remembered to attend the graves of some of my family members. My prayers and condolences to Jim and all the family in your loss. She was a
warm old-school Italian woman, and I trust her love will never leave you.
I was lucky to know Anne Marie and consider to be a friend. I could always count on her to give you her honest opinion. She was a very smart, loyal, passionate of her family and loving person. Another one gone too soon and will missed by so many. May God Bless.
Dear Jim and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Anne Marie was one of a kind… a powerhouse of energy and spirit. I was fortunate enough to have known and worked with her for nearly 20-years. She was simply the best in every way possible. Anne Marie was always ready to help, always willing to go the extra mile, and she generously shared her marvelous sense of humor with everyone at School of the Arts. I am holding you close in my heart, thoughts and prayers as you walk this journey together. May God rest her beautiful soul, and may God give you strength.
Most sincerely,
Adele
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Family our sincere condolences for the loss of your wife. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Tom and Donna Rossiter
Jim and Kevin so sorry for your loss. Ann Marie was such a wonderful person. She sure was a lot of fun and loved life. She will be missed by so many
Thoughts and prayers are with you and Ceceilia and family.