August 12, 1923 – January 17, 2020
HENRY, Henrietta Margaret (nee Shaefer) – Retta passed away peacefully at Juravinski Hospital on January 17, 2020, in her 97th year. She was a loving mother to Chris, Frank (Coline), Brian (Naomi), Gina (Pat–predeceased), Joan (Stephen), Catherine–predeceased (Peter), and Teresa (Michael) and a caring grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Retta was predeceased by her siblings Brian, Nancy, Ross, and Joan. She will also be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St, Dundas, Ontario, on Wednesday, January 22, at 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Thursday, January 23, at 10:30 am. The burial will follow at St. Augustine’s Cemetery, then a reception at the Air Force Club in Dundas from 12:30–3:30. Donations can be made in memory to Martha’s House or to the Campaign Life Coalition. Retta lived a full life. As a young woman, she traveled with girlfriends, served in the Far East with the US Army, and graduated from Marquette University, where she met her husband Frank. She loved children. Seven of her own wasn’t enough; she also cared for foster children, and through Birthright she helped countless pregnant women in need. Until a month before her death, Retta lived in her own second floor apartment, remained active in her church community, and was an avid bridge player. She will be missed by her many, many friends.
May GOD strengthen you and comfort you as you walk through this earthly loss and Heaven gains.
I am so sorry Brian.
Brian
What a wonderful life your mother lived. This surely must be celebrated, even as you and your family mourn your lost.
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Sylvia
I’m so sorry Brian. Praying for peace
Dear Brian, I’m sorry to hear of the death of your mother. She sounds like a wonderful woman. No matter how old we are, or our parents were, in their loss we lose a part of ourselves— the always loved child.
I hope your memories and the love of those around you make it easier.
Deepest condolences to all the Henry family. I always remember your Mom being active with us at Brownies and Girl Guides, school activities and the church. She had a warm infectious smile for everyone.
I will remember her for her kindness always.
My condolences to you Brian, and to your family.
May God hold you and your family in the palm of his hand at this sad time. I send my condolences and lots of prayers.
My deepest condolences, Brian. My thoughts are with you and your family
Losing a mother is hard at any age. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Brian
Our deepest condolences on the loss of an extraordinary woman whom we knew since childhood. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family, especially dear Teresa.
With love,
David & Louise-Ann (Pretto) Caravaggio
Retta was an inspiration and mentor to me for so many of the years, when she shared her time and talent with Birthright. She was committed, caring and faithful to promoting life. Her energy never ceased and she gave all from the heart. I will be forever grateful to have known her, to have been assisted with my leadership at Birthright and to have experienced her deep convictions, love of family and commitment to helping others. She will always be remembered as a great lady! God bless all of her family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian,
Condolences to you. What a woman of valor! May she Rest In Peace.
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s death, Joan,and my sympathy goes out to you and your whole family. Whether it was back in the days when our girls hung out together, or in later years, when I would be out walking the dog, your Mom always greeted me in such a friendly manner, and it was always a joy to have a chat with her.
Dear Brian,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of your mother.
Dear Brian and family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of your mother.
May the good memories and love stay with you help ease the pain of losing her. She appeared to have had an incredible and very fulfilling life and had left a wonderful legacy.
Thinking of you at this time,
Sara.
My name is Pat McInnes and I knew your mother when she foster for our agency, The Catholic Children’s Aid Society. I was her worker in the eighties but didn’t remember all the meetings with her. I do remember that she was a great person and always showed the greatest compassion to the children who she fostered in her home. I still volunteer at the agency after about forty years after retiring at sixty five, so there would not be to many people who would remember her, but I do. I live in Dundas and I would met her on the street occasionaly, and I go to her church, so that is how I remembered her. She always impressed me as a person, and especially how she carried for our children. I am sure she had no problem getting into heaven, because she remembered what Jesus said. “Let the little children come to me for such is the kingdom of God. Peace to you Henrietta, and to your family at this time of sorrow and joy.
In my prayers, Pat McInnes
Dear Joan and Stephen:
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest condolences.
Retta was an ardent pro-lifer and a generous donor to Campaign Life Coalition. She helped to sell Christmas cakes for many years, among many other acts of charity, including those mentioned in her obituary. God rest her soul. We will keep her and her family in our daily prayers here at Campaign Life.