Ann Heaney

Ann Heaney passed away peacefully, in her home of almost 50 years surrounded by love, on September 23, 2024. She left her ragtag team of family and friends on her own terms, fighting all odds to continue to bless them with her presence for way longer than any doctor thought possible.

Ann Heaney was born to Ferdinando and Louise Pisani on July 17, 1942, in Hoboken, NJ. Ann was an only child in an Italian family and never really alone. She grew up with her six cousins Dominic, Patrick, Anthony, Peanut, Michael, and Rose Marie. Growing up in a city like Hoboken (just one square mile), Ann formed tight friendships that stood the test of both time and distance. At 19, Ann met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Heaney. The (arguably stunning) couple married two years later in July 1963. They had two children soon after, Robert Jr and Dawn, who to this day fight over who is their mother's favorite. (She always liked to say she hated them both equally). Ann moved to Tampa with her family in the early 1970s (not that you would know it from her accent).

Although she burned her first Thanksgiving Turkey, Ann's cooking became a real family staple. Unfortunately we can't share her meatball recipe, because it would not matter. We have all tried to replicate it, and they never taste quite the same as Nana’s meatballs. Everyone has their favorite dish from her pork chops and potatoes to her devilled eggs. Her only one-star review came from her pea soup.

Anyone who met Ann would describe her as a real firecracker. Stubborn does not even begin to describe the iron will that was Ann Heaney. Once she got an idea in her head, she was going to get her way whether through direct or indirect means. She had a sharp wit and a wicked sense of humor. She always liked to say “If I don’t make fun of you, it means I don’t like you”. She was never one to mince words and always spoke her mind.

Whether because of this or in spite of it, Ann made friends wherever she went. Even in her later years, when the majority of her week revolved around doctor’s offices, Ann was somehow able to get to know every single nurse, administrator, and doctor. She was always full of news and gossip, whether from work, the neighborhood, church, or her doctor’s office. It might be why she had so much hair, it was full of secrets. It makes you wonder if all those years of watching Days of Our Lives made her crave all the hot gossip.

But in all seriousness, Ann was always someone who people called when they needed someone to lend an ear. She was the best person to vent your frustrations and problems to. She was an excellent listener with a funny quip to share, but more importantly, she was an exceptional secret keeper. As much as she was one to never hold back, Ann would never betray someone’s confidence. Who knows how many secrets have gone with her?

It goes without saying that it is difficult to encompass a spirit like Ann, but we know that she left an impression on so many people. Her legacy will be in the love and memories she has left behind with all her friends and family. She leaves behind a small but complicated little family. She is survived by her cousins: Michael Preciose and Rose Marie Pretrillo children: Robert Jr (Robbie) Heaney and Dawn Bare, daughter-in-law Tricia Heaney, grandchildren: Victoria Zeccola, Nolan Smith, Melissa West, Nicholas Kosteck, and Danielle Hendrix great-grandchildren: Chance Hendrix and her dog Teddy.

Her family invites everyone to a mass in her honor on Friday, October 18th at 11 AM. The mass will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 15520 N Blvd, Tampa FL 33613. There will be a small reception after the mass where food and drinks will be served.