Ann Marie Hefele

Ann Marie Hefele, a longtime resident of Mahopac, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the age of 86. She was born in Bronx, NY on July 26, 1939, the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Murphy Ward.

Ann Marie earned her Master's Degree in Education and was a schoolteacher and guidance counselor in the New York City Public School system, before she left to raise her family. In 1986 she returned to teaching. She taught for many years at St. John the Evangelist School in Mahopac, where she made lifelong friendships with her Mahopac clan. Additionally, she spent many years in the aftercare program at Pine Grove. You could always find her in the Homework Room, helping the children get their work done. She was a longtime parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church.

On June 26, 1971, she married James Hefele at St. Nicholas Tolentine Church in the Bronx. In addition to James who survives at home, she is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Kerrianne Cunningham (Chris) of Monroe, NY, Deirdre McManus (Michael) of Mahopac and Maryclare McManus (Patrick) of Yorktown Heights, NY as well as her 9 beloved grandchildren, Sean, Kiera, Owen, Erin, Fiona, Ryan, Liam, James and Conor. Her brother, Thomas Ward predeceased her.

Ann Marie enjoyed her time on the back porch swing with James, reading her mail and looking for Kohl's coupons. Most of her shopping was focused on her nine grandchildren who she consistently spoiled. Ann Marie enjoyed her summers in Cape May, New Jersey with her family and friends, telling funny stories and making dinner plans for all to enjoy.

We want to thank Nino for her dedicated support and caring nature; you have been a blessing over the past year.

Visiting will be held on Monday, March 23 from 3-7 pm at Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 24 at 11:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Church with interment to follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Brewster, NY.