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LOA HENRY
Loa was predeceased by her mother Ann Henry, and her older brother Donnelly Rhodes.
Loa's primary concern was always her family. She was fiercely devoted to and proud of each of us. She was the driving force of our many birthday and other celebrations, and loved nothing better than family gatherings featuring her wonderful cooking.
Loa was, for 25 years, an elementary school teacher, much loved by her students, very creative in her teaching methods and frequent director of school concerts and plays.
Starting in the 1970s she was a player with, and then artistic director of, Nellie McClung Theatre, at one time the longest lasting feminist theatre group in Canada. The Nellies performed 30 to 40 times per year, breaking down barriers and stereotypes on picket lines, in union halls, for women's groups and feminist organizations. They performed in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba and across the country. She was later, and for many years, the artistic director of the Winnipeg Labour Choir, and sang in recent years in the North End Jewish Folk Choir. She wrote and directed the play Mouseland, based on the Tommy Douglas allegory about electoral choices and performed by the Labour Choir. Loa recently resurrected the Labour Choir for one final rousing show on May 15, 2019, at the Ukrainian Labour Temple, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.
For her many efforts in the community Loa was honoured with the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for the Arts in 2004. In 2005 she was the recipient of the Canadian Dimension "Person who Changed the World" Award, and on International Women's Day in 2008 she received the Grassroots Women Award, which honours women engaged with distinction in community struggles. Loa had a positive impact on and was loved by countless people.
Our family wants to thank the many remarkable health care workers who made it possible for Loa to die at home. At Klinic Community Health, Dawn Busby, Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Andrew Lodge, Medical Director, have been kind and skilled in their support. What they have done for Loa is a tribute to the value of community health clinics. Manitoba's palliative care program is a treasure. Nurses Carol, Elizabeth, Erin, Monique, Janice, Tammy, Jennifer and Joanne, and Dr. Tim Hiebert have been truly remarkable in the supports they have offered and the kindness and skill with which they have worked. We will always be grateful to each of you.
A celebration of Loa Henry's remarkable life will be held at the West End Cultural Centre on Friday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Our family invites donations in Loa's name to the West Central Women's Resource Centre, 640 Ellice Avenue, a wonderful grassroots inner city organization that Loa has long supported.
Publish Date: Jan 29, 2020
LOA HENRY
Loa was predeceased by her mother Ann Henry, and her older brother Donnelly Rhodes.
Loa's primary concern was always her family. She was fiercely devoted to and proud of each of us. She was the driving force of our many birthday and other celebrations, and loved nothing better than family gatherings featuring her wonderful cooking.
Loa was, for 25 years, an elementary school teacher, much loved by her students, very creative in her teaching methods and frequent director of school concerts and plays.
Starting in the 1970s she was a player with, and then artistic director of, Nellie McClung Theatre, at one time the longest lasting feminist theatre group in Canada. The Nellies performed 30 to 40 times per year, breaking down barriers and stereotypes on picket lines, in union halls, for women's groups and feminist organizations. They performed in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba and across the country. She was later, and for many years, the artistic director of the Winnipeg Labour Choir, and sang in recent years in the North End Jewish Folk Choir. She wrote and directed the play Mouseland, based on the Tommy Douglas allegory about electoral choices and performed by the Labour Choir. Loa recently resurrected the Labour Choir for one final rousing show on May 15, 2019, at the Ukrainian Labour Temple, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.
For her many efforts in the community Loa was honoured with the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for the Arts in 2004. In 2005 she was the recipient of the Canadian Dimension "Person who Changed the World" Award, and on International Women's Day in 2008 she received the Grassroots Women Award, which honours women engaged with distinction in community struggles. Loa had a positive impact on and was loved by countless people.
Our family wants to thank the many remarkable health care workers who made it possible for Loa to die at home. At Klinic Community Health, Dawn Busby, Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Andrew Lodge, Medical Director, have been kind and skilled in their support. What they have done for Loa is a tribute to the value of community health clinics. Manitoba's palliative care program is a treasure. Nurses Carol, Elizabeth, Erin, Monique, Janice, Tammy, Jennifer and Joanne, and Dr. Tim Hiebert have been truly remarkable in the supports they have offered and the kindness and skill with which they have worked. We will always be grateful to each of you.
A celebration of Loa Henry's remarkable life will be held at the West End Cultural Centre on Friday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Our family invites donations in Loa's name to the West Central Women's Resource Centre, 640 Ellice Avenue, a wonderful grassroots inner city organization that Loa has long supported.
Publish Date: Jan 28, 2020
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2020, Jan 29, 2020
Condolences & Memories (25 entries)
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I am thinking of tomorrow and a year passing since you left. I have thought of Loa so many times throughout the past year. I miss visiting your kitchen your bright sunny smile and the lively conversations. I think back and I am so happy I got to meet you. - Posted by: Susan Sullivan (Friend) on: Jan 25, 2021
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I had the great honour of following Loa’s excellent direction in the Winnipeg labour choir between 1998 and 2002. I attribute some of my daughter’s love of music to the months she spent in my belly during rehearsals in that classroom. My condolences to all her family and friends. - Posted by: Colleen (Friend) on: Mar 31, 2020
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I was 20 years old ( now 58) when I first came to Wpg in 1982. I worked at Tim Horton’s and knew few people before eventually going to the U of W.My very first encounter with a progressive community, theatre and feminism in Wpg was through the Nellie McClung Theatre group. I believe this is where I first met Loa and Millie Lamb. She was part of creating a ripple in my life that has spread social justice into many crooks and crannies. I work as a nurse with children now and believe that every interaction I have had along the way brings something important to these children and their families. Peace to her family and friends. She is well remembered. - Posted by: Lisa Hagen-Smirh (An inspired one) on: Feb 11, 2020
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There are no words to say how sorry I am to hear about Loa's passing. It is so painful to lose a loved colleague that shared so much of my teaching career. My thoughts are with the family. She was a gift . . . an amazing lady that I knew for over 45 years. Loa will always be in my heart and forever in my memory. Good bye dear teacher and friend. - Posted by: Pat Dennis (Fellow school teacher) on: Feb 05, 2020
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I will remember how your family came together to love and care for Loa. I loved reading her obit. Such a wonderful legacy she has left behind. Condolences and love - Posted by: Carole (Nurse) on: Jan 31, 2020
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A very sad few days ; profound loss for us and for those who had the privilege to have known her. Condolences to her family . - Posted by: Wiley (Friend) on: Jan 31, 2020
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Dear Jim, Audrhea and I send our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to you and yours on Loa’s passing. She was a powerhouse and her activism and mentorship of so many has made this old world a better place. Please know that we honour your grief and that of your large family. Much love to you, Lori - Posted by: Lori Johnson (Friend) on: Jan 31, 2020
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I have known Loa for some time and have had the pleasure of singing with her in the North End Folk Choir for quite a few years, and then in the warmth of her's and Jim's city home and country cottage. Performing under her direction in the Labour Choir's commemoration of the 1919 Strike was an added gift. I've also have the pleasure and privilege of giggling with her. For me, that was precious. Loa could be a kid and let other old folk join her in kid land. I also treasured talking with her about the role of stories in social change Loa's passion for telling the stories that matter through theatre and music was contagious and inspirational. I felt nourished by my time with her and by her words. The world seems a very different place without Loa. I'm so sorry Jim. May you and your children and grand-children and great-grandchildren be surrounded by love and support in the days and months ahead. - Posted by: Frances Ravinsky (Friend) on: Jan 30, 2020
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I have admired Loa for years, especially for her work with the Labour Choir. A real loss to the community. My deepest condolences to Jim and family. - Posted by: Susan White (Friend) on: Jan 30, 2020
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Your Mother will be remembered ,she has inspired so many ,her love lives on through all of you , I am sending you loving kindness . Claire Sabourin - Posted by: claire sabourin (friend ) on: Jan 29, 2020
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Our deepest condolences to Jim and Loa's family and friends. Some people make this a better world for all and Loa was one of them. Now those whose lives she touched can come together to celebrate her amazing life of love, service, contribution and caring. May the peace and justice she taught be her greatest legacy to us all. - Posted by: Laura Steiman and Art Shofley (Admirers) on: Jan 29, 2020
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Sincere condolences to Loa’s family, from The Olson’s (Hazel, Mark, Diane & myself Brenda) as a young girl, I spent lots of time over at the Anthony’s, putting on plays for the neighbourhood in the garage & just hanging out with the family. I have great childhood memories that I will always cherish. RIP Loa. - Posted by: Brenda Beck (Old neighbour ) on: Jan 29, 2020
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Loa was the kindest, most loving, toughest and most fiercely loyal woman I've ever known. Some of my fondest memories growing up are with Loa and Jim. I will miss her stories, her cooking, seeing her face light up when someone she loved walked in the room and her laugh. My life is better for having known her. Condolences to everyone who loved her. - Posted by: Sarah Rogers (Friend) on: Jan 29, 2020
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I am so very sorry to hear of Loa's passing. Loa is my niece Nitara's Paternal Grandmother. I have met her on a few occasions and always found her to be so upbeat intelligent and warmly sincere. Loa was well loved i know by many who were close to her and i have heard so many wonderful stories of her. I wish all of her family my most sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time. - Posted by: Kathlene Kuzak (Family Friend (related to Loa's Grand daugher Nitara - i am her Aunt) ) on: Jan 29, 2020
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I am so sorry to hear of Loa’s passing. My sincere condolences to Jim and Zoe and family. Warm memories of Loa, Jim and Zoe, our Wolseley neighbours from Ruby Street days, which my children and I fondly remember. Such a gracious woman. - Posted by: Lucy Anthony (Neighbours ) on: Jan 28, 2020
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Profoundly sorry to hear of Loa’s passing. Loa was a dear friend and neighbour when our kids were young. Funny smart irreverent quirky talented caring and a beautiful person all round. Thinking today of Jim Zoe and the family and the loss to the community of a great citizen and activist. RIP Loa. - Posted by: Pat Martin (Friend) on: Jan 28, 2020
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Heartfelt Condolences and sadness. I hear her giggle & laughter as I remember our times at practice with Nellie McClung Theatre, I feel her depth of concern when we discussed social justice issues, I see her friendly smile as a neighbour in Wolseley. - Posted by: Angela Mulgrew (Sisterhood) on: Jan 28, 2020
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I’ve known Loa my entire life when I was a kid I was called the short little kid by her and it always brings a smile to my face when I think of her calling me that name. Whenever I was in Winnipeg visiting I would visit with Loa and have a great day of talking about the present and the past and how much my dad (ray) helped her and her family. I truly feel honoured to have known you Loa and will miss you very much. Big hugs and love to Jim and all the family. - Posted by: Julie Rougeau (Friend ) on: Jan 28, 2020
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I am deeply saddened to learn of Loa’s death. I want to offer my condolences to her husband, Jim. The memory of the time when Jim and Loa first met, in the early eighties is vivid in my mind. I remember the spark in Loa’s personality... The sharp intelligence that crackled in her... I am so sorry for your loss, dear Jim. Loa had a rich life, I know. - Posted by: Ustun Reinart (friend) on: Jan 28, 2020
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I was fortunate to have worked with Loa in the Winnipeg Labour Choir from 1996 to 2002. Her passion, intelligence, humour and especially her humanity were amazing. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to Jim and everyone in her family and friendship circle. - Posted by: David Condon (Friend ) on: Jan 28, 2020
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Deepest condolences to Loa’s family. She was a remarkable woman, an incredible feminist, and a role model for a life well lived. I met Loa when I was young adult and she was a positive force in my life for many years. She truly made the world a better place. Thank you Loa for your friendship, I will always remember the laughter and good times we shared. - Posted by: Dawn Teasdale (friend) on: Jan 28, 2020
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I first met Loa Henry about 35 years ago when I was dating her son David. I knew of her and her mother from reading Ann’s autobiography, Laugh, Baby, Laugh, and from Loa’s work with the Nellie McLung Theatre. I always felt a big respect and a certain awe at these powerful Henry women. Loa was a slight woman who bore herself humbly, yet she was, as has been so aptly described, a lion when it came to fighting for the rights of the oppressed. When my daughter, Nitara, got married in a field at her partner’s parents’ home in Saskatchewan three and a half years ago, Loa and her kids -David, Paula and Heather (along with Heather’s partner) - made the trek from Winnipeg to attend. It meant a great deal to us that you came. . . I know that those who knew and loved her best are experiencing the loss of this woman who lived her life so greatly .... I offer my deepest condolences to Jim, Kathleen, David, Paula, Heather and Zoe as well as all the grandchildren. May her well-lived life inspire those of us who grieve to live our own by her example. Contribution made to the Women’s Resource Centre. - Posted by: Kim Kuzak (Mother of Loa’s granddaughter Nitara) on: Jan 28, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the entire Henry and Silver family. My life was blessed to have known your wife, mother, grandmother. When I think of Loa, I think of flowers and her serene gentleness. When I visited the beautiful cottage where Loa always spent her summers, I think of joy, happiness, wonderful shared meals and amazing gatherings. This will be my forever memory of her, surrounded by the beauty of her garden, and her love of the caress of a sweet gentle breeze coming off Lake Winnipeg, on a warm sunny day. - Posted by: Susan Sullian (Friend) on: Jan 28, 2020
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I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Paula and her family during this difficult time.❤️ - Posted by: Leanne James (Paula's friend) on: Jan 28, 2020
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Loa was a lion for social justice. Condolences to Jim and the family. I am proud to say she was my friend. - Posted by: Sid Rogers (Friend) on: Jan 28, 2020