Anna Ottilie Hegwein

Anna Ottilie Hegwein was born on January 30, 1933, in Kleinschläfken, East Prussia, to Gustav and Emma Wichert. Known affectionately as “Bello” by her friends and loved ones, Anna lived a life defined by warmth, talent, and an adventurous spirit that carried her across continents.

On September 11, 1955, Anna was united in marriage to Alfred Fritz Hegwein in Stockholm, Sweden. Together, they emigrated to the United States on May 10, 1957, aboard the SS Berlin, and began to build a life that would span decades and leave a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Anna was an excellent dancer, gifted chef, and passionate collector of antiques. Her distinguished culinary career began at the venerable Berns Restaurant in Stockholm, and she went on to hold positions at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, Colorado — site of the 1960 U.S. Open Golf Tournament — as well as The Broker in Denver, the Bird Key Yacht Club in Sarasota, and The University Club in Sarasota. During her tenure as pastry chef at The University Club, her desserts earned widespread acclaim; Gourmet Magazine made multiple requests for her recipes for Mocha Cream Cake, Black Forest Kirsch Torte, Sour Cream Apple Pie, and Hungarian Dobosh Torte. She concluded her working years as a men’s clothing sales associate at Jacobsons in Osprey, Florida, where her impeccable eye for fit and finish was appreciated by many of Sarasota’s most distinguished businessmen.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anna found great joy in her family. She cherished time with her grandchildren, faithfully attending their sporting events and delighting in their company. She was a warm and gracious host, creating truly memorable holiday dinners for family and visiting relatives from Germany — though she was known to draw the line at the cleaning up afterwards! Her sharp wit was on full display on at least one memorable occasion: a spirited bidding quarrel with comedian Dan Rowan of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In at an antique auction. Though she lost the bid, she gained a friendship.

Anna is survived by her children: sons Peter Hegwein of Tallahassee, Florida, and Thomas Hegwein of Sarasota, Florida; and daughter Jennifer Hegwein-egwein-Byrne of Sarasota, Florida. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Cynthia Hegwein and son-in-law Robert Byrne.

Her grandchildren — Karl Hegwein of Portland, Oregon; Hunter Byrne of Sarasota, Florida; and Natalie Smith (née Hegwein) were a source of tremendous pride and joy.

Anna is further survived by her sister, Christel, of Germany; half-brother Horst Wichert of Germany, nephews Ralf Wichert and Udo Wichert, both of Germany; and nieces Heike, Martina, and Kornelia, all of Germany.

Anna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Fritz Hegwein.