Barbara Ann Hettwer

Barbara Ann Hettwer
FREEHOLD - Barbara Ann Hettwer, 65, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023 at CentraState Medical Center after a brief illness.
Barbara was born April 13, 1958 in Jersey City to Richard and Martha Burns. Raised in Middletown, she graduated from Middletown High School North and attended Brookdale Community College.
In her twenties, Barbara worked at a Matawan taekwondo academy. She achieved high honors, competed nationally, and qualified as a second-degree blackbelt instructor.
Barbara met Thomas Hettwer in the late 80s at the Andiron Inn, where she tended bar, and agreed to their first date. Very soon came one of the greatest kisses of all time.
On October 20, 1990, Barbara walked with Tom before God and promised forever. They purchased their forever home in Freehold that same year.
Her work for Aramark Food Service at Monmouth County Jail led her to county employment. For nearly 25 years, Barbara was well respected, held many positions and rose to chief clerk/secretary to the warden.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, and brothers, Richard and Tom Burns.
She is survived by her husband, Tom, her sister, Marianne Stelmaszczyk (Ed), and brothers, Chris Burns (Terry), Andrew Burns, and William Burns, nephews, Michael Stelmaszczyk and William Mueller, and niece, Patti Stelmaszczyk.
A celebration of Barbara's life is planned for her birthday, April 13.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, in memory of Barbara, at www.stjude.org.
Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.