Anne H. Havel

Anne H. Havel, age 66, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2014 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family and friends, after a courageous battle with multiple cancers. Born in Utica on June 19, 1948, Anne was the daughter of the late Erwin and Frances (Clark) Hunzinger. In 1991, Anne began her career as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Utica City School District devoting herself to the students of Kernan Elementary School for 20 years where she was proud to have been a veteran “Kernan Tiger”. In the classroom, she was fair, yet firm in her approach to students, and at school functions, she was affectionately known as the “popcorn queen”. An advocate for fairness and concern for fellow workers, she was a member and served as co-chairperson of the Utica division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a position in which she was privileged to address the concerns and needs of the membership. Outwardly, she will be remembered for her lovely smile and laughter, and her unique wit. Her inner beauty was defined by her generosity and great strength of character. She was the stimulus behind the success of many others in her life. Her honesty and integrity are the highlights of the memory of her legacy as a person who lived a good life and was admired by so many for her selflessness and compassion. She was fiercely loyal and determined, and she knew how to pick her battles and stand behind her friendships. She enjoyed spending time with kids and she offered them opportunities to see and experience things they might not have been able to do, adventures that had lasting impressions for the children. She was also involved in fundraising for charitable organizations as well as political campaigns, going door-to-door and operating the phone banks. She believed in the policies and platforms of the politicians she endorsed and maintained longtime friendships with them. In line with her altruistic attributes, Anne was also a foster parent and was truly a guiding light for several children under her care. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she was inspired by the spiritual sense of the season, her belief in a guiding Savior, the excitement of the children and Christmas gift giving, the holiday concerts, and her Christmas tree that was decorated with lights that twinkled all year round. Anne had an intense interest in reading, especially mysteries. She shared great times with her friend, Nan, at the Casino where they tried their luck at The Wizard of Oz “Ruby Slippers” slot game. Amid the musical world, Lee Ann Rimes was her favorite vocal artist and she was over-the-top when she got to meet her after a performance. During her local leisure time, she loved to sit on the deck at The Shoppes at the Finish Line Café on Court Street sharing conversation with Andy that centered on history, and the time she spent organizing greeting cards for him. A person of great faith, Anne knew the power of each saint and was often called upon by family and friends to provide the names of specific saints to whom they should direct their petitions and intercessions. Anne was fortunate enough to know the love, friendship, and companionship of Karen M. Balandis who will forever remember the wonderful and loving person Anne was. Also left to cherish her legacy are numerous siblings, Carol and John Simpson, Janice Hunzinger, and Jodi and Russ Golden; nieces and nephews, especially Amanda and Wolfgang who brightened up the last six years of her journey; great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sister-in-law, Cynthia Hunzinger. Anne was blessed with a second family who made her life most complete and shared unconditional love; Selma and Mike Sewall, who she affectionately regarded as “Mom and Dad”; Eleni Mercado, Jason Cicchelli, David Cicchelli, Joanne DiNardo, Sue Keller, Brenda Karns, Mary Ann Bottini, Elida Dapre; the “babysitter” and the “babysitters”, and a host of wonderful friends. Anne was known to some of the teachers at Kernan as “Grams”, which was a token of love and respect that she treasured. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Hunzinger; and her sisters, Mary Hunzinger, and Kelly Irla. Anne was originally diagnosed with health issues in 1995. She displayed remarkable courage and perseverance as she battled these illnesses. She credits some wonderful people who were unending in caring for her: Dr. Lisa Kozlowski who went well beyond her scope and totally watched over Anne’s wellbeing to her very last day; she maintained a personal interest in Anne’s progress and was a friend as well as her physician. She was also Anne’s inspiration to continue to “climb the mountain” and she will never be forgotten; Dr. Paula Vecchio, Anne’s primary physician and her staff who were attentive to Anne’s needs with so much concern; the staff of the Bassett Healthcare Network of Herkimer who were compassionate and very accommodating, especially Dr. Marcy Canary and her staff; the Walgreen’s Pharmacy, South Utica location, especially Pharmacist Chris as well as the others who watched over Anne’s medications and certainly went the extra mile to be helpful; the past and present staff of Kernan Elementary School, her work family, for their friendship and encouragement, and principal Angela Evans who was very heartfelt in her concern for Anne; Superintendent Bruce Karam, his administration, and Utica City School District Board of Education members for their care and concern during Anne’s journey. Sincere thanks also to Rev. John Buehler for his spiritual guidance and generosity of heart. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Anne’s Memorial Gathering which will be held Friday from 2:30-4:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A spiritual blessing of her Catholic faith will be offered at 4:30 by Rev. John Buehler. Her Celebration of Life will continue at The Shoppes at the Finish Line, 809 Court Street, upon the conclusion of services, all are welcome to share in the memory of her good life.

Anne H. Havel

June 19, 1948 - September 19, 2014