Gerene Marie Hecht

Gerene Marie Hecht, 93, Chesterfield, died Monday, October 4, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, surrounded by family. She was born July 6, 1928, the daughter of Kenneth and Talitha Crews. She was married September 3, 1949, to Warren A. Hecht, who died September 28, 1988. Gerene was a graduate of Clayton High School and worked as an accountant. She and Warren built their local business, Essen Hardware, into a regional chain. Gerene was an active member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church for more than 77 years. A longtime member of the Red Hat Society, she was also known for her beautiful flowers, particularly roses, surrounding her homes. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters, enjoying all she learned about their lives. Survivors include: one daughter, Nancy (Doug) Waggoner, Jefferson City; one son, Dr. David (Dr. Gail) Hecht, Chicago, Ill.; four grandchildren, Lt. Col. Philip (Anna) Waggoner, Sara Waggoner (AJ) Eads, Dr. Aaron (Nathania Hau) Hecht and Dr. Cameron (Saule Buozyte) Hecht; two great-grandchildren, Alana and Adrienne Waggoner; and two brothers, Roy (Ann) Crews and William (Kathleen) Crews. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Crews Jr. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, Ballwin. Visitation will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Warren A Hecht Memorial Benevolent Fund, c/o St Paul's Evangelical Church, 9801 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141.