Obituary of Veronica C. Hengstler

Veronica Catherine Hengstler (née Hassett), of Madison, formerly of Livingston, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 19, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family. She was 86.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom and love in abundance. A friend to many, Veronica was a cherished former parishioner of St. Raphael’s Church in Livingston, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength.

Veronica was born in Orange, NJ on April 26, 1938 to the late Bernard and Margaret Hassett. She was raised in West Orange with her siblings in a loving, hard-working and devout Catholic family. Veronica had a group of lifelong friends from grammar school and high school that she remained close with for the rest of her life.  

Veronica met the love of her life, John J. Hengstler and the couple settled in Jersey City after they were married. Soon after, they welcomed their three daughters into their family. Veronica instilled the importance of family and faith in her daughters from a young age, and she remained a remarkable influence and source of motivation for her daughters for the rest of her life.

Veronica had a long career in the financial division of Blue Cross Insurance in Newark and later in Basking Ridge for many years, retiring twenty years ago. She became a treasured team member and “office mom” to many people that still remain close to her to this day. One special way Veronica showed her love and affection for her work family was by making countless cakes and baked goods for everyone in the office.

In their retirement, Veronica and John relocated to Livingston to be closer to their growing family. Veronica was tremendously proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she treasured every minute she could spend with them.

Veronica helped to establish and facilitate a grief group at St. Philomena’s Church. She devoted a great deal of her time helping to bring support to those that have lost loved ones.

Veronica loved spending time with her family, especially at the Jersey Shore during the summer months and trips to Maine with her best friend Ginger and family. She was an avid player of Yahtzee and enjoyed watching both Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Veronica’s well-lived life and her good heart and genuine nature had a remarkable influence on everyone whose lives she touched. Her legacy encourages us all to love and treasure those around us, and live life more fully. May she Rest in Peace.

Veronica is survived by her three loving daughters, Karen Iaconetti and her husband Anthony, Laurie Hathaway and her fiancé Brian Ciechanowski, and Suzanne Hengstler and her fiancé Joseph Gero; her seven cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Conboy (Patrick), Nicole Figueroa (Jonathan), Kristen Iaconetti, Jessica Iaconetti, Alyssa Hathaway, Joseph Hagan, Brianna Gero (Harry); three great grandchildren, Sophie Rose, George Patrick and Nina Rose; one sister, Margaret (Jean) Larkin and her husband, Thomas; many extended family members and countless dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Veronica was predeceased by her beloved husband John J. Hengstler in 2016; her brother, Bernard Hassett; and her sister, Barbara Disko.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Veronica held on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream Mass viewing.

Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Charitable contributions may be made in Veronica’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105