Anna M. Wesner

July 25, 1930 – March 11, 2025

Anna Margaret Wesner (nee Kruyd), 94, of Basking Ridge peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 25, 1930 in Passaic, NJ, Anna was the firstborn daughter of the late Jacob and Henrietta Kruyd.  Her life was shaped by her unshakable faith, resilience, and devotion to her family.  At just 9 years old, she experienced the profound loss of her father, Jacob, and stepped into a caregiving role for her three younger siblings while her mother worked full-time as a housekeeper.  The heartbreak of later losing her younger sister, Clara, added to the challenges she faced, but Anna remained steadfast, graduating from Clifton High School and laying the foundation for a life marked by strength and perseverance.

In 1948, Anna married the love of her life, George W. Wesner, Jr., and together they settled in Clifton, NJ and raised two children, George and Anna “Anne”.  Over the course of their 51 years of marriage, they built a life filled with love, hard work, and dedication.  Anna was a devoted wife and mother, balancing her family responsibilities with a long and successful career at ACME supermarket, where she worked for more than 35 years.  Anna took immense pride in maintaining their home, pouring her heart into home improvements that would ensure its value for years to come.  Her family’s home was always a reflection of her care, dedication, and “house proud” spirit.  Vacations to Lake Wallenpaupack in the family camper were a cherished tradition.  On the rare occasions when Anna ventured into the water,  it was said a storm was sure to follow – perhaps a playful reflection of her lively and spirited nature.

A devout member of Grace Church, Anna served in various roles, including working with the Pioneer Girls and overseeing the children’s nursery.  Her nurturing and caring spirit were evident in everything she did.  She was also a talented seamstress, known for creating custom curtains and drapes from photographs, a skill that demonstrated both her creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

In the 1980s, Anna and George relocated to Orlando, FL where they joined Calvary Baptist Church, and Anna continued to share her warmth and friendly nature while working in the bakery department at Gooding’s Supermarket.  Upon returning to New Jersey, they settled in The Hills community in Bedminster, where Anna continued to nurture her faith at Millington Baptist Church.  She devoted herself to caring for her husband until his passing in 1999.

Later in life, Anna became the first resident of Ridge Oak Senior Housing in Basking Ridge, where she lived for 20 years.  Anna’s kindness, grace, and quiet strength made her a beloved member of the community, and her absence will be deeply felt by the residents and staff who had the privilege of knowing her.

Anna was proud of her Dutch heritage and often quipped, “If you’re not Dutch, you’re not much.”  She was known for her delicious Swedish meatballs and irresistible Scotcheroos; and as a lover of ice cream, she lived by the motto, “Life is short, eat dessert first.”  Her grandchildren fondly remember special outings with her, where they were allowed to order dessert before dinner – a delightful reminder of Anna’s joy in making life a little sweeter.

Anna’s life was a testament to perseverance, the power of family, and the strength of an unwavering faith.  While she will be dearly missed by all who knew her, her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone she touched during her 94 years.

Anna was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, Jacob and Henrietta Kruyd; her sisters, Henrietta Grant and Clara Kruyd; and her son-in-law, Allan Papp.  She is survived by her brother, Jacob Kruyd; as well as her loving children, George W. Wesner III of Harrison and Anne M. Papp of Bridgewater.  Anna was also the proud grandmother “Mema” of Leah and Glenn Papp and great grandmother “Gigi” to Aiden Papp; and leaves behind a host of cherished nieces, nephews and extended family across the country.

A visitation and service to honor Anna’s life will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Bedminster from 12:30pm to 1:30pm with the service to commence at 1:30pm.  Interment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Anna’s memory may be made to Ridge Oak Senior Housing, 150 Manchester Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ  07920, to support the community that brought her so much joy in her later years.