Anne Marie Hendrickson, 77, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. She was born on May 27, 1948, in Newark, New Jersey, to Thomas Forlenza and Catherine (Rinaldi) Forlenza.

Anne grew up cherishing summers at the Jersey Shore, sharing Italian dinners with her family, spending time with her cousins, and taking frequent trips to New York City. She loved to proudly recount that she saw the Beatles in concert during her high school years, a memory she treasured.

Anne attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. She spent her freshman through junior years at Bishop Walsh High School, where she enjoyed being part of the yearbook staff, and later graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1966.

Anne made her way to the Midwest to attend college at Murray State University. Living in southern Kentucky broadened her world, fostered independence, and taught this Jersey girl a new vernacular. Her time at Murray State also led her to love. During her junior year of college, she met Alan, the love of her life and man who would become her lifelong partner. Anne graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and began her teaching career at Bardwell Schools in Kentucky, where her first-grade classroom had a profound impact on her.

Anne and Alan were married on August 14, 1971, in Forked River, New Jersey. Their wedding photos captured the joy of young love on the beach. The newlyweds lived their first year of marriage in West Lafayette, Indiana, before moving to Stevensville, Michigan. They loved their life in Michigan, where they began their careers, formed lasting friendships, and welcomed their first child, Kari.

In 1977, Anne and Alan moved to Carmel, Indiana, for a new job opportunity. Carmel became their home for more than 40 years, where they put down deep roots and raised their family. Their family grew with the births of Lori in 1977 and Teri in 1978. With three children under the age of four, a new city, and as an only child herself, Anne rose to the challenge and embraced motherhood. The family moved to Crestwood Drive shortly before the birth of their youngest child, Paul, in 1981. That home became the foundation where they raised their children and remains a place filled with love and cherished memories.

After settling in Indiana, Anne took on a new opportunity, serving as Executive Director of the Carmel Dad’s Club for more than ten years. Even later in life, her love of education never faded, as she continued to inspire students while working as a substitute teacher in the Carmel Clay School System.

Anne and Alan raised their family in Carmel, forming strong and lasting friendships through their neighborhood, church, and school communities. A long-time member of Trinity Baptist Church, Anne found great joy in her faith and in the relationships she built within her church family. Anne never knew a stranger and she welcomed all into her home. Her kind and giving spirit came naturally, and her friendships ran deep. She was involved in countless activities with her children, and the family enjoyed time on the farm in Brookston, vacations to Florida in the van, years of softball and baseball games, plays, recitals, school and church functions, growing in love and devotion through the years.

In 2001, Anne underwent a heart transplant. It was a journey filled with intense emotion, with gratitude being the greatest of them all. Anne treasured the gift and second chance at life she was given. She was later fortunate to meet and form a meaningful relationship with her donor family. October 2nd was always celebrated as her “Transplant-iversary,” which she lovingly referred to as her second birthday.

Above all, Anne was known for her deep love and devotion to her family. Her commitment to those she loved was evident in every aspect of her life. She cherished the birth of each of her ten grandchildren and was affectionately known as “Grammie.” Anne spent time caring for several of her grandchildren during the first year of their lives. She delighted in spoiling her grandkids with sweet treats, holiday cards, birthday outings, and, often a slipped $20 bill. She showed up for everything and beamed with pride as she watched her grandchildren shine and pursue their passions. Anne and Alan enjoyed many years of winter getaways to Seacrest Fl, where they watched countless sunsets and relaxed together. Anne could often be found with a good book in hand, eager to finish it in time for her next book club. Anne loved to listen to Alan play guitar and work on his music. She was his biggest fan. Anne loved making her homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs, or hosting poolside cookouts with homemade mac and cheese and baked beans. She treasured feeding her children, grandchildren, and spouses, her family fortress grown strong over the years.

Anne is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Alan Hendrickson; her children, Kari (Kevin) Lemme, Lori (Chris) Thompson, Teri (Brian) Cochran, and Paul (Jocelyn Oshrin) Hendrickson; and her cherished grandchildren, Lucas, Kathleen, Aidan, and Casey Lemme; Elijah and Elise Thompson; Catherine (Catie) and Ashley Cochran; and Julian (Jude) and Simon Hendrickson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Catherine Forlenza.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Trinity Baptist Church, 1010 126th Street, Carmel, Indiana 46033, with a funeral service immediately following at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anne’s name may be made to the Indiana Donor Network Foundation, online at indianadonornetwork.org or by mail at 3750 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222.