Barbara Hecht

Barbara (Barb) Hecht, 74, of St. Peters, Missouri passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023 after a life journey that took her on many adventures from her hometown of St Louis to Alaska to China, and many places in between. Along the way she experienced life as a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and dedicated friend, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Barb was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 16, 1949 to Louis and Geraldine Wedemeier. She is survived by her siblings, Robert Wedemeier, Joan Billington, and Jean Sloan; her son, Keith Hecht, daughter-in-law, Jing, and cherished grandchildren, Amelia, Madeline and Evelyn. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Hecht.

Barb was a beloved sister, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family fiercely. She was a solid foundation for her family who could always rely on her for truthful advice and a helpful hand. Her first thought was always for her family, especially her granddaughters. She was always happy to visit with her extended family and wore the moniker of "Mean Aunt Barb" proudly.

Growing up, Barb was athletic, playing field hockey and softball. Her experiences on the softball diamond helped her build many lifelong friendships that continued as playing softball eventually evolved into playing Bunco. One of her favorite things was being part of the Bunco Babes.

Barb worked hard to provide for her family. Most notably was the 30 plus years she spent with SSM. She started as a secretary and bookkeeper with the central laundry facility and worked her way up to becoming a corporate accountant, where she was able to take advantage of her prodigious math skills. While with SSM she made several friendships that lasted beyond her retirement.

In the last year of her life, she lived at Boulevard Senior Living in St. Charles, Missouri. It was while living here, she was able to regain her vitality that had been robbed from her by years of illness and sacrifice. In true Barb fashion, she quickly made several friendships that may have been brief but were no less deep and meaningful.

Barb's journey through life may not have been as long as we would have liked, but her impact on family and friends will be felt long after the pain of her loss has passed. An "open house" celebration of the life of Barb Hecht will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters Chapel (837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO) on Saturday, May 20, 2022 from 1pm to 4pm.