Mrs. Barbara Hassert (nee Zimmermann) died peacefully at her home in Verona on January 7, 2021. She was 96 years old. Born in Passaic, Mrs. Hassert grew up in Clifton, graduated from Clifton High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Elmira College. In 1958, she and her husband moved to Verona where they raised their family.
Mrs. Hassert and her late husband, John, were very active in the Essex County 4H program. She had a strong faith and served the First Presbyterian Church of Verona as a deacon, elder and a member of the United Presbyterian Women. She also enjoyed sitting with her friends in the church Thrift Shop and greeting the people who came into shop. Her involvement with the Grandparent’s Tea was also a joy for her. She enjoyed sharing stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Hassert filled many roles during her life as mom, grandma, Gigi, and Aunt Bobby. She was loved for her grace, dignity, spunk, and willingness to speak her mind when necessary. She cared deeply for her family and friends and was always willing to extend herself for those she cared about each and every day. As an active member of the Verona Presbyterian Church she was a willing missionary for all she believed in and her church community.
Mrs. Hassert thoroughly enjoyed hosting holiday events and birthday dinners with her family. Most recently she was able to gather with her family and experience her 96th birthday party. The joy of once again having all her family around her was very evident that day. She especially loved looking at pictures of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren on her iPad every day. The opportunity to FaceTime with them always brought such a huge smile to her face! She also enjoyed many summers vacationing in Maine with family. She loved sitting on the deck reading and looking out onto the lake watching her family enjoy swimming and boating. She especially enjoyed taking boat rides on the lake watching as the sun set.
She was predeceased by her husband, John A. Hassert and older sister, Lois Schneider. She is survived by her children, Mark A. Hassert, Todd R. Hassert and his wife Mary, Martha Cook and her husband Ray, Kurt Hassert and his wife Jeanine; her grandchildren, Gillian, Laura, Catherine, Kirsten, Erik, Raymond, Gregory, Melissa, Shawn, John, Keely; her great grandchildren, Erik, Oskar, Aksel, Carson, Scarlett, John, Ellie. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Williams.
Interment will be private. A memorial service will be determined at a later date. Condolences can be left at www.ProutFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Avenue, Verona NJ 07044 in her memory would be appreciated.
