Ann Marie Hefele, a longtime resident of Mahopac, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born in the Bronx on July 26, 1939, the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Murphy) Ward.
Ann Marie earned her master’s degree in education and worked as a schoolteacher and guidance counselor in the New York City public school system before leaving to raise her family.
In 1986, she returned to teaching. She taught for many years at St. John the Evangelist School in Mahopac, where she formed lifelong friendships with her Mahopac clan. She also spent many years working in the aftercare program at Pine Grove, where she could always be found in the Homework Room, helping children complete their assignments. She was a longtime parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church.
On June 26, 1971, she married James Hefele at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in the Bronx. In addition to her husband, James, who survives at home, she is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Kerrianne Cunningham (Chris) of Monroe, N.Y., Deirdre McManus (Michael) of Mahopac, and Maryclare McManus (Patrick) of Yorktown Heights; and her nine beloved grandchildren, Sean, Kiera, Owen, Erin, Fiona, Ryan, Liam, James and Conor. Her brother, Thomas Ward, predeceased her.
Ann Marie enjoyed spending time on the back porch swing with James, reading her mail and searching for Kohl’s coupons. Much of her shopping was devoted to her nine grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil. She especially cherished summers in Cape May, N.J., with family and friends, where she shared stories and brought everyone together for memorable dinners.
Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Nino for her dedicated support and caring nature; you have been a blessing over the past year.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 24, at 11:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, also in Mahopac, with interment to follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Brewster.
