Ann Dwyer

Ann V. Dwyer, age 96 and a longtime resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving and comforting family on Monday, December 8, 2025.

The daughter of the late William and Anna (Doubrava) Novotny, Ann was born and raised in Nutley, NJ. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood there, making many neighborhood friends, one of whom was a young boy named Vincent Dwyer. They took a special interest in one another and began dating when Ann was just fourteen and Vincent was fifteen. After seven years of courtship, they exchanged wedding vows before God, family, and friends in a ceremony held at her parents’ home at 42 Chase Street in Nutley. Following the wedding, Ann and Vince lived with her parents for five years before moving into a brand-new home, in Wayne, which they built themselves, and where they lived for the rest of their lives. They were eventually blessed with three sons—Michael, Gregory, and William. During their boys’ formative years, Ann devoted herself to raising them, and once they reached a more independent age, she worked outside the home: first at Bekin’s Moving Company in Wayne, later at Suburban Bank in Wayne, and most recently at Acme Fabric in Pequannock.

In 1966, Ann and Vince purchased land in Hague, NY, near Lake George, and the following year they broke ground and built a home. It was truly a family project, with Ann, Vince, their three sons, and their girlfriends all contributing to the construction. It quickly became the family’s summer haven, and Ann was happiest when spending her summers there surrounded by loved ones and friends. She enjoyed swimming, boating, and tending her large vegetable garden, proudly canning its bounty to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Ann’s hobbies were many. She loved making puzzles, playing cards, sewing, and knitting. Her love of sewing was so strong that her job at Acme Fabrics was motivated largely by the perks—especially discounts on materials that allowed her to create even more. Later in life, she lovingly knitted countless hats for cancer patients at Chilton Hospital in Pequannock. She also enjoyed crafting and often sold her creations at local craft fairs. Ann loved going out for a delicious meal, with favorite restaurants including the Grasshopper Restaurant in Wayne, the Pompton Queen Diner in Pompton Plains, and the Chit Chat Diner in Hackensack.

One of the great joys of Ann’s later years was the gift of travel. She explored the world with her best friend Alta at her side, creating memories and adventures that brought her tremendous happiness.

Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Her family cherished her kind, sweet personality, and even-keeled disposition. She lived her life with class and propriety, serving as a beautiful example of a life well lived.

Ann was the beloved wife of the late Vincent “Vinnie” Dwyer (1992); the most loving mother of: Michael S. and wife Angela Dwyer of Wayne, Gregory V. and wife Bonnie Maura Dwyer of Wayne, and William G. and wife Robin Dwyer of Pompton Plains; adored grandmother of: Gregory Joseph and wife Kathleen (Bronson) Dwyer of Wayne, Jonathan Vincent and wife Christyn (Babieri) Dwyer of Ridgefield, NJ, Sarah Maura (Dwyer) and husband Zachary I. Cantor of Raleigh, NC, Kyle William and Stephanie (Yosco) Dwyer of Towaco, NJ, Lindsay Lesia Dwyer of Boonton, NJ, and Matthew Raymond and Alexandra (Koschtial) Dwyer of Flat Rock, Michigan; cherished great-grandmother of: Ethan Gregory Dwyer, Dylan Walter Dwyer, Amber Elizabeth Dwyer, Ava Maura Cantor, Owen Bruce Cantor, Brooks Matthew Dwyer, Rylie Lynn Dwyer, and Olivia Marie Dwyer; and the dear sister of William and wife Nancy Novotny of Ticonderoga, NY.