Susan Hedden Mirenda

Ms. Susan Hedden Mirenda died on July 5, 2026 in the care of Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. Her daughter Carey was by her side, holding her hand as she took her final breath.
Sue was only 74 years old.

A Celebration of her life will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Friday, July 10 from 3 to 6 pm, with a Service to be held at 5:30 pm. At that time family and friends will be invited to share happy moments and memories. Sue would want it to be a gathering of her favorite people and people that are important to her family. It should be laughter mixed with tears, hugs and promises to keep in better touch as we realize how short our time together can be.

Born in Jersey City, Sue spent her younger years in Kearny before moving to Verona in 1962. She graduated from Verona High School in 1969 and began her career job as a Telephone Operator with NJ Bell Telephone. Sue was proud of multiple promotions over her 39 year career. She worked very hard and was dedicated to the projects and tasks she was assigned. She retired in 2010 as a Senior Manager for Verizon in the Newark office. She was a member of the HG McCully Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers. Sue grew bored with retirement and within a year she was working again; first for a psychiatrist's office and most currently for a phone messaging company. According to her it gave her something to do, a reason to get out of the house and "a little pocket money".

Sue was an avid reader. She volunteered at Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey with her daughter Carey. She enjoyed traveling with Carey, her mother Lil, and best friend Ginny. Sometimes other friends and loved ones would join the fun. The ladies visited Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Cape Cod and Florida, and cruised to places like Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Bahamas and some Caribbean islands. Sue would laugh at shows like Jeff Dunham, George Carlin, and the boys from Whose Line Is It Anyway?. Broadway was another stop for "the girls" as was Atlantic City and casinos in PA. She enjoyed music; having seen performers like Daughtry, Aerosmith, Air Supply, Neil Diamond, Chicago and more. But Sue's favorite was Bon Jovi. The ladies all shared a love of Bon Jovi concerts and would sing at the top of their lungs! Yes, even her mother Lil joined the singing! As a comforting thought to all, Sue's amazing ICU nurse put on Bon Jovi in the room as Sue had her final moments with Carey.

Sue is known to her friends as caring, giving, and loyal. She would do anything for the people she loved and never hesitated to help someone in need. She had a warmth about her and a hidden sense of humor. Over the past ten years, Sue had many health problems and suffered through many surgeries. She never gave up, remained positive and fought hard to stay strong and push ahead.

Sue's greatest joy in life was her grandson Connor. Because they lived together, she was able to wake up to his laughter and go to sleep after his loving kiss and hug goodnight. They would laugh together, go shopping, play, tease and snuggle. She lived for her boy. "Granny" was Connor's whole world too.

Sue was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Lillian Hedden, her daughter, Elizabeth Mirenda and her best friend Ginny Mushinski.

She is survived by her daughter, Carey Mirenda Matzkanin (and her husband, John); her precious grandson, Connor Harold John Matzkanin; and her brothers, Glenn Hedden (and his wife, Debby) and Scott Hedden (and his wife, Betty). She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to Carey's school NJEDDA (North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency) 1481 Main Avenue, Clifton NJ 07011 would be appreciated. https://njedda.org/

The loss of Sue was sudden and is devastating to her closest loved ones, family and friends. She will be terribly missed and lovingly remembered. Her loss is a reminder that time is never promised and we must love, laugh and enjoy while we can.

Condolences, memories and pictures can be left on this obituary page. Her family needs the support. Please know that any kindness is greatly appreciated.