Marian Louise Henderson

Marian Louise Henderson

September 23, 1936 ~ February 28, 2024

Age 87

Marian Louise Henderson was born September 23rd, 1936, in St. Louis MO, the first child of Raymond & Elsie Henley. She was the eldest of three children. Sister Linda was born on July 16th, 1945. Brother Bill was born on July 5th, 1947. Marian loved them both dearly. The family lived in Oklahoma City OK, Granite City IL and Cudahy, WI, finally settling long term a second time in Granite City. Building personal fortitude began very early for Marian. As a young child, Marian survived multiple bouts of pneumonia, chicken pox and measles. She lived through World War II, rations, and the Great Depression. Developing musical expressivity also began young. Marian began piano lessons in elementary school and continued throughout her school years, developing advanced abilities before graduating high school.

Marian attended Simpson College in Indianola Iowa and earned her bachelor’s in music performance in 1958. She met Oral Henderson at a social event, and they were married just six months later on July 18th,1959, settling in Des Moines IA. Daughter Laura was born in Des Moines in 1962, son James was born in 1966 in Rockford IL. In 1968 the family moved to Northbrook, Illinois. Oral worked for Aetna Life Insurance Company and Marian maintained a private piano teaching studio everywhere they lived, teaching for a total of 68 years. In the summer of 1994, Marian and Oral retired to their lake home in Cherokee Village Arkansas where they lived until 2017. Then, due to Oral’s health needs, they moved to Bellevue NE.

Marian died peacefully on Wednesday night, February 28, 2024. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Oral, parents Ray and Elsie Henley, and brother William Kendall Henley. She is survived by her daughter Laura Linn (Henderson) Petry and her husband Michael Edward Petry; their children Eva Linn (Petry) Henderson and her 3 children Amy Mae Marie DePue, Daniel James DePue, and Noelle (Ellie) Elizabeth DePue; grandson David Edward Petry and his wife Katherine Lynn Cortese; son James Lawrence Henderson and his wife Brenda Elizabeth Henry; James’ daughter Dannielle Marie (Henderson) Garfoot and her husband Cole Garfoot and their daughters Cecelia Vali Rose Garfoot and Ira Beatrix Garfoot; Bee Henry’s daughter Leagha Anne McMahon; son David Patrick McMahon and his wife Samantha McMahon and their two daughters Emily Samantha and Charlotte Hyacinth; sister Linda Rae (Henley) Racette and her husband Wilbur “Bill” Racette; their son Jeffrey Eugene Wallace and his daughters Lauren and Audrey; daughter Jennifer Anne (Wallace) Dahlen and her husband Tim Dahlen and their 3 children Sawyer, Landon and Dallas.

Marian led a full life of service to others, a life full of music, joy & love, full of teaching and connection with so many people. She was a lifetime member of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association). She served as church choir accompanist for decades and was very active in many church activities in the Methodist Church. Marian was a great planner, list maker and the most “other-centered” servant – teacher we have had the honor and privilege to know. Marian will be remembered for her superb teaching skills, expressive piano playing, sensitive accompanying, positive attitude, fortitude, infectious smile, and quick wit. She had a passion for her heritage, her family, and sharing the gift of music with everyone.

Memorial Service:  Tuesday, March 5, 11:00 a.m., Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 113 North 18^th Street, Omaha 68102.

Committal Service:  Tuesday, March 5, 2:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery

Memorials suggested to Cantare! (An Early Music Vocal Ensemble) / www.CantareOmaha.com

To view a live broadcast of the service, click the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/@TrinityCathedralOmaha