CLAIRE NOREEN HENDERSON

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CLAIRE NOREEN HENDERSON Noreen passed away on April 25, 2017 at the age of 88 after a life well-lived. As the end neared, she was surrounded by her loving family. Noreen was predeceased by her husband of over 60 years, David Gordon Henderson and by her beloved cousin Shirley Grigg of California. She is survived by her children, Bruce (Dianne), Gail Lapp (Ron) and Paul; grandchildren, Ryan (Andrea), Barbara Bourassa (Thaddeus), Christine Wach (Steve), and Pamela Buffi (Andrew); six precious great-grandchildren, Oliver, Jackson, Edward, Matthew, Madison and Anna. Mom was born in Winnipeg on November 28, 1928 the only child of Bill and Janet Agnew. She grew up in River Heights and attended United College. Mom and Dad met and fell in love as young sweethearts (16) and became each other's strength from that time forward. They travelled extensively over the years to places including Europe, Jamaica, New Zealand and California. They resided in Winnipeg, other than three years in Thunder Bay in the mid 1950s. Mom's faith was important to her and she was an elder at First Presbyterian Church before later joining Charleswood United Church. She volunteered in many ways over the years, whether through her church, the Children's Hospital Chown Guild, the Inner Wheel or other groups. Mom had a love of dogs and a keen interest in gardening and reading. She took pride in her appearance and took weekly trips to get her 'hair done' and was rarely seen without being 'made-up'. Mom loved to entertain and she set a beautiful table and served delicious meals. Mom accumulated many friends over her life, some for a life time (Ali Molgat) and some were formed later, as in her aqua size buddies at the Rady Centre. Mom was a warm person whom people responded to, a fact mentioned several times over recent years by those caring for her. Family gave Mom her greatest purpose and joy. She was a deeply devoted wife, a caring mother and a loving and doting grandmother and great-grandmother. She was deeply loved and will be fondly remembered and missed dearly. The family would like to thank the staff at Southeast Personal Care Home for the excellent care and attention they gave our Mom over the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Noreen may be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba or The Alzheimer Society. A Celebration of Noreen's Life will be held in August, when Paul has returned from China.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2017