Obituary: Ingunn Hekneby, 66, of Avon

Ingunn Hekneby of Avon, beloved wife of Michael P. Bassock, died Tuesday, May 27, at the age of 66.

Ingunn was born in Hamar, Norway in 1948, youngest daughter of Gyda and Mons L. Hekneby.

Following a dream, Ingunn moved to the United States in 1967 and attended the University of New Mexico and the University of Connecticut, where she graduated magna cum laude. After years in retail and teaching, she turned her passion for flowers into a business, Heliotrope, specializing in wedding flowers.

As an avid art lover, Ingunn later began volunteering for the Women’s Committee of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art where she served on the Flower, Fine Art & Flowers, Festival of Trees & Traditions and Splendor Committees, and was also elected President of the Women’s Committee for a two-year term.

She also cherished her time spent at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, where the landscape reminded her of the country farmland where she grew up.

Ingunn served on the May Market and Dinner Auction Committees at Hill-Stead Museum and was honored to be chosen for a term as President of The Hill-Steaders Volunteer Corps.

In 2012, she was elected to the Board of Governors. She served as President of the Farmington Garden Club for two years, a group dedicated to the beautification of Farmington.

Throughout her life, Ingunn found great pleasure in spending time with family and friends, often making special meals to bring everyone together, especially for Sunday suppers. When not entertaining, Ingunn enjoyed walking or reading while listening to music.

Over the years, Michael and Ingunn enjoyed many wonderful trips, especially to Italy. Closer to home, their favorite places to visit were Vermont and Nantucket.

In addition to her husband, Ingunn leaves behind her dear sister Rannveig Hekneby of Norway, stepchildren; Jonas H. Bassock and his daughters, Alexandra and Isabella, Andrew Bassock and his wife Irene, and their children Addie and Wade, and Dara Bassock and her husband Fred Marvel. She also leaves her brother-in-laws; Stephen Bassock and his wife Sharon, Colman Ellen and sister-in-law Sandra Green and their families.

Ingunn was godmother and special Auntie to Ellie and Martha Turner of Vermont, Catharina and Axel Franck Naess of Norway, Oda and Dorthe Aakvik of Norway and Ombelyse Buirette of France. Ingunn was very grateful for the love and support of her friends.

Special thanks to Drs. Ronald Szabo, Sheila Silverman, John M. DaSilva, and Kenneth Elligers and their staff for skilled and compassionate care.

A Service of Remembrance will take place at noon Friday, May 30, at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 1652, 75 Main Street, Farmington, CT.

Obituary via Ahern Funeral Home website