ETHLYN CARMEN HENRY

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ETHLYN CARMEN HENRY It is not easy to write in a few words the depth of our loss, the sadness in our hearts and the void in our lives following the death of our mother Ethlyn Henry (nee Gillis) who passed away peacefully on the May 31, 2004. Ethlyn died of natural causes and members of her family were with her at the start of this new journey. She was best known to the world as the mother of Beverley, Landis and Desmond and wife of Luther. Ethlyn lived her life for her family. She had unconditional love for her children and was always there for them, their spouses, John, Joycelyn and Jennifer; her grandchildren, Melanie, Jonathan, Jake and Christer, extended family in particular the Murphy and the Chin families as well as close friends. Known as Etty to family and friends she was a devout Catholic throughout her life. Her faith remained strong up to her death. She never wished harm on anyone and despite her frail stature, Ethlyn would be the first one to stand in line if she felt her family was threatened. It is said that a mothers love can move mountains. To understand Ethlyn, it is important to look at her early childhood. She lost her own parents whilst still a toddler and the experience left an indelible impression on her that might explain why she dedicated her life to her family. She did not have a high profile career, and over the years worked as a beautician, seamstress and factory worker. Ethlyn and Luthers goal was to ensure that their children and grand children lived their lives with Christian values, had a good education and hopefully would have a better life than theirs. Ethlyn was born in Jamaica on February 23, 1921. She married Luther (an RAF veteran) in 1940 and they remained happily married until his death in 1986. The family moved to England in 1963 and to Canada in 1981. In her spare time Ethlyn enjoyed needlework and working in the kitchen garden. Ethlyn was slowed but not deterred by the ravages of Parkinsons disease in later years. Despite the increasing difficulties she remained cheerful and optimistic to the end. For her unselfish love to her family and friends we honour Ethlyn Henrys distinguished life and will forever cherish her memories and contributions to our lives. She was a truly outstanding woman of her time, not to mention a mother, educator, provider and Christian role model. Her integrity, compassion, strength and courage have never been questioned though often proved. We who have been touched by her wisdom, her gentleness and patience, her ability to play peace-maker and her tireless devotion to her family will miss her deeply. It is our challenge to ensure that some of her gifts displayed prominently in the course of her life, do not fall into oblivion with the passage of time. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 254 Arnold Ave. on Monday June 7 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Henryk S. Laciak officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations will be welcomed in Ethlyns memory to Our Lady of Victory Church. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2004