Mary Henderson

Taken from her loved ones much too soon, Mary Henderson was a blessing to her family and friends. She was truly selfless since even when she struggled with her health issues she was more concerned with others than she was about herself. Mary treasured the times she shared with her loved ones as being surrounded by her family was her favorite place to be. She could always see the silver lining along any black cloud, and she never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Mary will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of those she leaves behind.

The 1960s were a decade to remember. We elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, only to mourn his death a few years later. The space race, begun by the Soviets in 1957, was in full swing, and it was in 1961 that we celebrated the first man in space, Alan Shepard, in 1961. The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Righteous Brothers all had huge hits while Sound of Music and My Fair Lady were seen on the silver screen. It was in 1966 that a young couple, Richard and Kay (Brown) Henderson, was pleased to announce the birth of their daughter on September 19th in Harvey, Illinois. Mary was the youngest of four children born to her parents, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Kathryn, Bill, and Cynthia. Her father worked for IBM while her mother managed an apartment complex.

Mary spent her earliest years on the South side of Chicago in a town called Homewood. Her father later remarried a woman named Janice who also helped raise Mary. As a teen Mary moved to San Jose, California, in the late seventies. She was a student at local schools wherever she was living where she enjoyed playing softball and cheer leading. Mary graduated from Leland High School in San Jose.

Throughout her life there was nothing that was more important to Mary than the people she loved. She was blessed to become a mother to her son, David Eberstein. David meant the world to Mary and her face always lit up whenever he entered her presence. Later in life she began dating Ruben Martinez, and they had spent the last two and-a-half years together. They knew each other for much longer, however, as their families were well acquainted for a number of years. Mary loved going to family gatherings and seeing her extended family whenever she could. She had a very special relationship with her nieces and nephews as she simply adored them.

Over the years Mary was a woman of many interests. It has been said that she lived on her computer as she was always busy doing a variety of things. Whether she was playing games on Pogo or researching her family history, it seemed she was always on it. Mary loved learning more about her family ancestry and poured countless hours into doing her research. She also enjoyed Sudoku puzzles and watching some of her favorite television shows including Law and Order, Criminal Minds, Duck Dynasty, Three's Company, Everybody Loves Raymond, Sanford and Son, and All in the Family. In fact, her DVR was always full! She was an avid country music fan of artists such as Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, and Tim McGraw who were all among her favorites. Mary even liked R. Kelly. She loved NASCAR was a huge fan of #3, Dale Earnhardt. Mary collected spoons and had quite an extensive collection of angels, which seems only fitting as she has been called an angel as well.

All who knew Mary Henderson would agree that she was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She had the most amazing ability to always see the good in everyone, and her sunny disposition and optimistic spirit were truly an inspiration. Described as sweet and kind, there was nothing that Mary wouldn’t do for others. Although the way before her was anything but easy at times, her first thought was always of others. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Mary created a beautiful tapestry of memories that will never be forgotten.

Mary Henderson, of Portage, died on Monday, February 3, 2014. Mary’s family includes her son: David Eberstein, of Vicksburg; step children: Bambi, Amanda and Matt Edick; mother, Kay Henderson; three siblings: Kathryn Beck, of Warren; Bill (Linda) Henderson, of Vicksburg; and Cynthia Crouch, of Portage; several step-grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews: Ronnie Sheets, of SC; Danielle Holbrook, of Kalamazoo; Samantha Beck, of Warren; Kandra Crouch, of Kalamazoo; Macy Crouch, of Kalamazoo; J.D. Henderson, of Vicksburg. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 6, 2014, from 1-2 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Mary’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory or photo. Those who wish may make contributions at the American Diabetes Association.