Jeannine “Honey” Henry passed away just as she wished, in her sleep, on the night of 12/17/17. She lived a full and much loved 88 years of life. After several months of looking for the cause of her rapid decline she stated to her children, “I guess there is no cure for old age.” In her final weeks she was surrounded by what was most meaningful to her - the love of her family and friends.

Jeannine was born in Morgan City, Louisiana on January 25, 1929 to Byron P. Leonard and Jeanne Leonard. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband of 52 years, Charles “Buddy” Henry Sr.
and her brother Dr. Byron Pete Leonard.

Her family moved to Lafayette Louisiana in her youth. She received her business degree at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, met Buddy Henry and worked most of her adult life there. In 1952 Buddy walked into the office where Jeannine was the administrative secretary for Drew Cornell Inc., looked at Jeannine and said, “That is the woman I want to marry.” They did so on November 25, 1953. Buddy and Jeannine had four children and were married until Buddy’s death in 2005.

Jeannine became a business owner in 1973 when she opened the Oil Center Health Food Store. What started as a small vitamin shop later expanded into the first natural food chain in Lafayette and The Whole Wheatery Eatery restaurant. Her restaurant became a popular lunch spot for many in her community and her renowned Bible Sandwich and Crawfish Etofu were among some of her favorite creations. After selling the establishment in the late 80’s she and Buddy moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Honey wanted to be near her favorite activities, grand mothering and soaking in mineral waters.

Jeannine lived in Glenwood Springs Colorado for over 25 years and was seen daily at the hot springs surrounded by her many dear friends and acquaintances there.

In her classic matriarchal style she became the grandmother to many when she opened Honey’s Daycare in 2004. She was recognized and honored by the National Childcare Association for outstanding service and accomplishments in her delivery of care to young children. She retired from being a childcare provider and what would be her final career in 2014.

Jeannine was appreciated as an incredibly strong, courageous and spirited woman. She was unwavering in the faith of her devout catholic spirituality. She was a lively soul and loved dancing, singing, keeping up with current events and visiting with her many friends and family members. Honey possessed a sharp and intelligent mind filled with insightful wisdom and abundant laughter. She shared of herself generously and openly.

Honey was not very interested in slowing down when her body kept her bound and therefore accepted her mortality with grace, dignity and courage – just as she lived her life.

She is survived by her brother H. Lee Leonard (Audrey), her four children Charles (Dick) Henry Jr. (Jo), Jeannette Henry Abshire, Michael Henry (Suzanne), and Eileen Henry, her seven grandchildren, Jared Shaken Abshire (Hannah), Christopher Abshire, Daniel Abshire, Quenton Henry, Jenny Henry, Ethan Hunt, Morgan Hunt, four nieces, four nephews and many cherished friends.

There will be a private family mass and a public catholic burial at Rosebud Cemetery in Glenwood Springs in the spring. A celebration of her life will follow the burial. Please refer back to this site for details of spring memorial. Jeannine was not one for fanfare or hoopla and had only one quote to sum up her long life: Thanks for the memories! And thanks to you Honey, we have many.

A private family Funeral Mass will be held on May 25, 2018. A public celebration will be held at 3:30 P.M. May 25, 2018 at Rosebud Cemetery, 3420 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
May 25, 2018. A pot luck dinner and celebration of life will be held from 5-8 P.M. May 25, 2018 in the St. Stephens Catholic Church Reception Hall--please bring a dish and any photos/memories you have of Jeannine Henry and wish to share. link to directions
http://ststephenchurch.org/

If you are coming from out of town, Please call Jeannette at 970-379-9270 for more details or questions. Also,
Please call the hotel directly to make a reservation as soon as you can, as it is Memorial Day weekend and the hotels will fill up quickly.

http://hotelcolorado.com/ Hotel Colorado

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/glenwood-springs/gnsco/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-GNSCO --Holiday Inn Express

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be to http://www.earlychildhoodnet.org/about/donate/

Video Tribute Link (Copy & Paste into your browser)
https://animoto.com/play/1rqDRWTdVaNZis2ejHfSzg?autostart=1

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