Anna (Zizza) Hemans

Anna Zizza Hemans, born on March 29,1946 in Fragagnano,Italy, peacefully passed away on October 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Anna was preceded in death by her sisters, Maria Antonucci and Cosima Epifani, and her brother-in-laws, Giovanni Antonucci and Paul Viggiano.

She is survived by her husband, John, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and companionship for 55 years. Their beloved children are Mark, who resides in Clay, Timothy (Brenda), who lives in Hoschton, Georgia, and Nicholas (Mindy), who resides in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Their grandchildren are Joshua, Olivia, Charles, and Nicholas.

Anna is also survived by her brothers, Frank (Anna) and Gus (Sandra), her sisters, Teresa (Giovanni), Antonietta, and Ada (James), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also cherished by her friends.

Anna spent most of her life in Auburn, where she immigrated from Fragagnano at the age of 12. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Francis Church and a graduate of the school. From a young age, she developed a passion for cooking and fashion. Her dedication to family dinners and her talent for making her own clothes earned her the prestigious title of “best dressed” at Auburn’s Central High School (Class of ’67). However, it was her passion for cosmetology that ultimately led her to a nearly 50-year career as a hairdresser at Continental Coiffures. When she wasn’t working, she could be found in the kitchen, baking Italian cookies for an upcoming event or making a home cooked meal. Alternatively, she could be found at the golf course, casino, or bingo hall, or volunteering as an usher to watch a play or two. In her free time, she spent quality time with her family, whom she was incredibly proud of and meant the most to her, and enjoyed a home-cooked meal together and played cards or other games. She was the energy in the room and cheering you on from the sidelines. She was one of a kind and will be truly missed by those that knew her.

The family would like to thank all of the family, friends and caretakers for all of the love and support.

 A calling hour will be held Tuesday, October 14th from 10:30 am until 11:45 am, with her Mass of Christian burial to follow at 12:00 pm, all inside of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Clark St., Auburn, NY 13021.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, located in the Finger Lakes Mall, Auburn, NY.

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