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Ann Hespeler Obituary
Ann graduated in 1950 from Williams Memorial Institute, New London, and 1953 from Grace-New Haven School of Nursing. She was feisty, and enjoyed life until its end; even with a pacemaker walking steep grades, and the day before her illness, clearing her garden of gladiolas readying for the spring of 2013. Ann will be remembered for never forgetting a birthday or special occasion, homemade ice tea, blueberry pie, and German potato salad. She enjoyed writing poems, reading, and board games. She will be missed in innumerable other ways she showed love for her family.
Some of Ann's fondest memories were family trips to Cape May, N.J., Thanksgivings in Vermont, 4th of July Picnics, and any activity her grandchildren performed; soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, swimming, baseball, football, piano recitals, school plays and more.
Ann is survived by her husband of 56 years, Herb Hespeler; her son, Kurt Hespeler and his children, Colleen, Grant and Emily of Andover, Mass.; her daughter, Laurel Christine Gerhat, and husband, George, their children, Jeffrey, Gregory and Alison of Endicott, N.Y.; her son, Karl Hespeler, his wife, Michelle, and their children, Krista and Kyle of Marlborough; and her son, Kraig Hespeler and his wife, Marcy, and their children, Brynn and Elijah of Stoneham, Mass.
She was predeceased by her mother, Anna Ponedel; father, Irving Ponedel; sister, Lillian Borrell; and brother, Irving Ponedel Jr.
Calling Hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at the Mystic Funeral Home, 51 Williams Ave. (Route 1), Mystic. A celebration of her life will immediately follow with a reception at the Stonington Meadows, 769 Stonington Road (Route 1).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, (www.cancer.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's (www.michaeljfox.org).
The family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online expression of sympathy and for directions to the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ann Hespeler
Lori (Noreika) Catrambone
September 30, 2012
To the entire Hespeler family,
I was so sad to hear about your mother. She was the nicest, sweetest woman I think I've ever known. She always made me feel so welcome. When I think of her, I always see her with those rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes, and warm smile. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have known Ann. I know how much she was loved by you all and how difficult this time must be. May your fond memories help bring you peace during this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Schuler
September 30, 2012
Herb, I am so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. I have good thoughts of past times. Will never forget the "potato salad" recipe. May you find peace in your memories.
September 30, 2012
Fellow classmates, W. M. I., class of
1950. So sorry to lose one of US. God Bless her and her family.
Michael Davis
September 30, 2012
Kurt, I'm sorry to hear of your moms passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark Kvaltine and Martha
September 29, 2012
Laurel and family,
We are so very sorry for your sudden loss of your mother. May you find comfort with your family and friends.
Cathy Blaisdell Johnson
September 29, 2012
Kurt and Chris: so sorry to hear of your loss. Hoping good memories see you through.
Mary Jane Lyons
September 29, 2012
To the entire Hespeler Family, So very sad to hear of Ann's passing. A great mom who always warmly welcomed me into your home. I will never forget the twinkle in her eyes! Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy.
Claudia Miler
September 29, 2012
Kurt, I am so sorry to hear about the lost of your Mom. May she rest in peace.
Sue & Dave Stella
September 28, 2012
Laurel & Family, Our hearts are saddened and are prayers are with during this very difficult time. We have wonderful memories of getting to know your Mom. We will be here for you. Love, Sue & Dave
Sue & Dave Stella
September 28, 2012
Laurel & Family, Our hearts are saddened and are prayers are with during this very difficult time. We have wonderful memories of getting to know your Mom. We will be here for you. Love, Sue & Dave
James Ventura
September 28, 2012
Kurt & Family, Sorry to hear the loss of your Mom. May our prayers & Deepest condolences with you all.
Bernie Nasser
September 28, 2012
To the Hespeler family:
My deepest sympathies on the loss Ann...I remember her as a wonderful lady that cherished her family!
May her soul rest in peace.
Bernie Nasser
September 28, 2012
To the Hespeler family:
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Ann-wife, Mother and Grandmother. May her soul rest in peace.
September 27, 2012
Kurt, I remember you from church when we were young(er). My good friends Rose and Rick Brustolon often mentioned your mom and dad. They felt so blessed to have them as neighbors.
Peace be with you and yours,
April (Kay) Sauchuk
Glenn Williams
September 27, 2012
I spent much of my formative years at the Hespeler house - playing basketball, swimming, working out, or just hanging out.
Mrs Hespeler was one of the kindest people I have ever known. Eventually my wife and my children were equally welcomed and enjoyed being an extended part of the wonderful Hespeler family. We have so valued the friendship extended by Mr and Mrs Hespeler, the children, grand-children, etc. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this wonderful person.
Deepest condolences to the Hespeler family.
Glenn, Beth, Madeleine, & Eliza Williams
Howard Herman
September 27, 2012
To Kurt and the Hespeler Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss of your Mom. The many times I met her she seemed like a wonderful person, and always made me feel welcomed in your home in Mystic. Cherish the memories during this time of her passing.
September 27, 2012
Herb,
We are saddened to learn of Ann's passing.May God's blessings be with you and the family in your loss.
Charles & Fran Watson (VA friends)
September 27, 2012
Dear Herb and family,so sorry for your loss of Ann, may God be with you and your family; noreen and george robbins( retiree dinners)
mary and frank
September 27, 2012
Laurel and Family,
So sorry to hear about your mom's sudden passing. She seemed like such a sweet and kind person every time your family had a gathering we were at. I know what a deep and sad loss this is. Please accept our sincere sympathy. You have wonderful memories and a great legacy to pass on. How fortunate you are.
Sincere thoughts,
Mary and Frank
September 27, 2012
Herb:
We were very sad to hear of the death of your wife Ann. She was such a nice person. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Peter & Joyce Springsteel
John Foley
September 27, 2012
Kurt and family, I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. It brings back memories of playing at your house when we attended Mystic Academy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...John Foley
September 27, 2012
Uncle Herb and Family, I am sorry to hear that your loving wife,mother and great aunt has passed. We love her dearly and she will be sadly missed.
Warm regards, Cheryl Kowalczyk and Steven Hespeler
Paul Burnett
September 27, 2012
Saddened to hear of Ann's passing. She was a very sweet person with a radiant smile for everyone.
Nora (Fritchman) Wallace
September 27, 2012
Kurt and family -
So very sorry to read of your mums passing. It is one of those events in life you can never be prepared for no matter what the circumstances. May the memories you have with her help you through this sad time.
R.J Nickerson
September 27, 2012
Hespeler Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Growing up, Ann always had a warm smile and made me feel welcome in your home . May your wonderful memories of her in life carry you throught this difficult time.
Kate&Smitty Smith
September 27, 2012
Herb and family we will always remember the retiree lunches with Ann and the good times at Olgas . Ann will be very much missed.
Todd Whitney
September 27, 2012
Kraig and Karl,
I'm praying for you and your families for the loss of your Mom, she sounds like a wonderful woman. I am touched by a comment in your email "She was a wonderful mother and easy to love". I don't think a better set of words can be said about someone.
Keith Lee
September 27, 2012
Herb,
Sorry for your loss.
September 27, 2012
Herb and Family,
I am so sorry and saddened by your loss. Ann was so very nice, she will be missed,
Our deepest sympathy,
Carole Drong and Terry Klein
Linda Cady
September 27, 2012
Dear Chris, Kraig, Karl and family,
So sorry to read of the loss of your mom. THinking of you all at this time.
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