Anne Z Hemmens

In Loving Memory of Anne Z. Hemmens

September 24, 1925 – September 10, 2025

Anne Z. Hemmens lived a remarkable 99.9 years, a life filled with love, resilience, and an unwavering zest for living. 

Born in Poland in 1925, Anne immigrated to Sion, Alberta, Canada at the age of 10 with her family, bravely fleeing the turmoil of World War II. In 1945, Anne married Anthony Grasso and moved to Brooklyn, NY, where they raised two children, Louis and Jennifer. Later, she found love again and married Henry James Hemmens, Jr. with whom she had two more children, Elizabeth and John.

For 36 years, Anne made her home on Hillside Avenue in Caldwell, creating countless cherished memories with her family and friends. After her husbands untimely passing in 1972, Anne was tasked with raising a family as a single mother. With grit and determination Anne built a successful career as a real estate broker, first with Ed Howel Realty and then later with Weichert Realtors, where she thrived for 35 years. She was very proud of achieving the Million Dollar Sales Club. Even in retirement, she never slowed. At the Four Seasons in Lakewood, NJ she swam and exercised daily and stayed vibrant well into her 90’s. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. 

Anne will be remembered for her radiant smile, her boundless energy, her faith in Jesus Christ as her savoir and her ability to light up every room she entered. She leaves behind a legacy of love and perseverance that will continue to inspire her family for generations to come. 

Anne is predeceased by her beloved parents, John and Katherine Zorniak, her daughter Jennifer Bastedo and her siblings Walter, Maurice, Steven, Ben, Bob, and Peter Zorniak. She is survived by her sister, Olga Zorniak. She will be deeply missed by her children Louis M. Grasso, Elizabeth and (son-in law Richard Miller), John and (daughter-in-law Christine Hemmens), Stephen Bastedo (son-in-law). Her grandchildren brought her immense joy: Robert and (Molly Grasso), Jennifer and (Darryl Withrow), Angelique and (Wade Stauffer), Paul Bastedo, Brielle and (Nathan Stephenson), David Bastedo, John and (Tran Bastedo), Richard and (Cleo Miller), Christopher and (Heidi Miller), Alexis and (Evan Zimmer), Michelle Miller, Nicole Hemmens, and Jordyn Hemmens. Anne was blessed to see her family grow to include 11 great-grandchildren: Gordon, Mary-Ann, Wyatt, Sage, Alex, Rory, Anson, Bennett, Brayden, Silas and Rosa 

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Saturday, September 20th, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Galante Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Avenue, Caldwell. At 11:30 AM, a Catholic Mass will be held at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, followed by procession to interment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, also in Caldwell. Afterwards, we invite family and friends to join us to celebrate Anne’s illustrious life at Calandra’s Italian Village, La Taverna Lounge, directly across the street from Saint Aloysius Church at 234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ. 

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to the St Judes Children’s Hospital.