Lillian Maria Anderson Hedden, 92, of Caldwell passed away peacefully on September 2, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was married for 54 years to Harold John Hedden. A celebration of Lillian’s life will be held on Thursday, September 6 at Prout Funeral Home, Bloomfield Ave., Verona. Visitation hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with a service on Friday at 1:15 p.m.
Born in Brooklyn on February 4, 1926, Lillian was the daughter of the late Arthur and Valborg Anderson, and big sister to the late Arthur “Swede” Anderson of Kearny. Lillian grew up in Kearny, N.J., and graduated from Kearny High School in 1944. She met her husband in 1946 after he returned from World War II.
Lillian worked after high school at DuPont in Kearny. After raising her children, she began her second career at age 37 working at New Jersey Bell Telephone, rising to management level.
She was secretary of the Verona Ladies Bowling League, and secretary/treasurer of the Princeton Commons HOA. She was active in the Red Hats. An avid reader of mysteries, a lover of sweets, coordinator of family picnics, who crocheted various blankets, and sweaters. She was a lifelong passionate Yankee fan.
Upon retirement from the phone company, she enjoyed traveling with her husband Harold. In later years, she traveled and cruised extensively with her daughter Susan, granddaughter Carey and friend Ginny. She also enjoyed going to the casinos for video poker. She enjoyed Broadway, comedy shows, concerts and family game night. Lil had a huge crush on Bon Jovi and went to many of his concerts, up until she was 91 years young. The love and support of her family was precious to her, especially with the recent arrival of her great-grandson, Connor.
She was predeceased by her husband Harold, and her brother Arthur. Lillian is survived by her son, Glenn and his wife Deborah, of Manasquan, N.J., their children Matt, Ken, Colby, Casey; daughter Susan Mirenda of Verona, her daughter Carey Mirenda Matzkanin and her husband John; and son Scott and his wife Betty, of Highland Lakes, N.J., their children Kyle and Jessie. She was loved by her great-grandchildren Connor, Campbell, Colin, Charlie, Camille, Chloe and Kate.
Memorial contributions may be made to PG Chambers School, 15 Halko Dr., Cedar Knolls, N.J. 07927.
