Anne Heywood

Rhinecliff – Anne Heywood, 93, a longtime resident of Rhinecliff, passed away on May 15, 2024. Born in Skona, Sweden, on November 8, 1930, she was the daughter of Charles and Gerda (Rosland) Cardell.

As a child, Anne and her aunt relocated to the U.S., where she attended Staatsburg schools and graduated from Vassar Brothers Hospital School of Nursing. Anne began her career as an RN at Vassar and Northern Dutchess Hospitals. Later, she worked as a school nurse teacher for Rhinebeck Central Schools for 27 years and then joined the Baptist Home in RN training and staff development. She balanced full-time work with her studies at the College of St. Rose, Empire State College, and Russell Sage College, earning a B.S. in Education.

On October 18, 1951, Anne married Harry Heywood and moved into the Heywood family home in Rhinecliff. They had three children: Donald C. (Nancy) Heywood of Rhinebeck; Robert A. (Scott Kyreakakis) Heywood of Rhinebeck; and Sharon H. (Tony) DiBenedetto of Stewartsville, NJ. Harry predeceased Anne in 2014.

Anne is survived by her children; grandchildren, Sarah (Connor) Dawson, Rachel (Jerrod) Bierbower, and Nicholas DiBenedetto; great-grandchildren, Sydney and Troy; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Heywood; nieces, Kerry Lynne Hoeft, Sandra Miller, and Lori Heywood; several grandnieces and grandnephews; and her dedicated caregiver, Aretha Johnson.

Anne was an active participant in the Harvard Medical School Nurses Health Study for many decades. She co-founded and served as president of the Rhinebeck School Retirees and was a member of the Dutchess County Retired Teachers Association and NY State United Teachers Retirees. Additionally, she was active in Vassar's Nursing Alumni Association.

Anne and Harry loved to entertain at their home on the river and enjoyed canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and several cross-country RV trips. She was an avid fan of the Yankees, Knicks, and Giants (when they were winning).  Anne was also a passionate swimmer, certified lifeguard, and CPR instructor for the American Heart Association and Red Cross.

Anne had a remarkable ability to make people feel heard and valued. She provided unwavering love and warmth to all, extending her support, counseling, and guidance to countless students, neighborhood children, and friends. Her nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. We will always be guided by her love, strength, and grace.

Forever an educator, Anne donated her body to benefit medical research and future medical professionals.

There will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s in Rhinecliff on Tuesday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Arrangements under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, Rhinebeck, NY.

Memorial donations in honor of Anne Heywood can be made to St. Jude’s at http://www.stjude.org

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