George C. Anderheggen, 90, of Monroe, died peacefully September 27, surrounded by his family at home. He was a resident of Newtown from 1972 to 2000.

His wife of 38 years, Jean; daughters, Katherine and Lise; sons, Dan, Matt, and Christopher; son-in-law, Rob; daughters-in-law, Erin and Susan; four grandchildren, Lila Jean, Landon James, Maxwell Joseph, and Gabrielle;  sister, Mary; and brothers, Peter and John, survive him.

Dr Anderheggen had a passion for helping people and spent 50 years of his life as a marriage and family therapist. He formed strong friendships with many people and continued to see those he loved up to his very last moments.

He could be found playing his harmonica, reading a book, watching the hummingbirds on the deck, or spending time with his family. The simple moments with his wife, watching planes at the airport or having dinner together at home, were the most important to him.

His loved ones wish to share Dr Anderheggen’s favorite Indian prayer from Chief Yellow Lark of the Lakota Tribe; “Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me. I am small and weak. I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength, not to be superior to my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy — myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit will come to you without shame.”

In keeping with Dr Anderheggen’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. A private gathering will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Connecticut School of Medicine at medicine.uconn.edu or to Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810.