Janice Martel Henderson
March 28, 1932 ~ June 25, 2021
Janice Martel Henderson
March 28, 1932 – June 25, 2021
Janice “Jan” Henderson passed away on June 25, 2021. She was able to come home, as was her fervent wish, after receiving excellent care at INOVA Fairfax Hospital Acute Care Center. She died with her loving husband of 68 years, and family surrounding her.
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was born in Schofield, Wisconsin. She met her devoted husband, Vilas “Vi” Henderson at a dance at the Colonial Ballroom which was located between Birnamwood and Wausau, Wisconsin, in August, 1949. They had a partnership that was a shining example of what true love is.
In addition to being a wonderful “hands on” mother, Jan was a skilled homemaker known for her sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and embroidery. She loved to collect antique children’s toys. These she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an excellent cook, often hosting parties and gettogethers with family and friends. She made countless numbers of friends, and kept them throughout her life. Her children’s friends loved to hang out at their home because they knew there would be plenty of good food and snacks. She was famous for her zucchini bread. In recent years she made dozens of loaves with the zucchini from Vi’s garden. Holidays, especially Christmas, were very special. She went to great lengths to make them memorable. She doted on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was kind and generous to her daughters-in-law. Jan had a very special place in her heart for animals, particularly dogs. She rescued many and they were very lucky to have found their forever homes.
Jan is survived by her loving husband Vi Henderson, age 90 (on 8/3/21), children Lolita Schepers, Kerry Henderson (Terrie) and Jeffrey Henderson (Donna). Grandchildren: Jacob, Amber, Alexis, Samantha, Victoria and Andrea Henderson. Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Nicolas, Adam, Trevor, Sayler and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Jennie Balz, husband John and father, Joseph Wendt, brother Jerry Wendt and sister-in-law Joy Wendt.
These are some personal messages from Jan’s family:
Vi (husband):
My Beloved Wife
Together we have traveled a long journey, over seventy years. It’s been a wonderful journey during which I grew to love and appreciate you more each day. You have been and still are the one and only star in my universe. Together we raised three children. You and I have been blessed that they and their families have turned out to be our treasures. But you were the Matriarch. with love and care creating the bond that has made us what we are. You have never wavered from making and nurturing relationships with relatives, neighbors and acquaintances. Your loyalty and love for others is a hallmark of your life, and I have loved you so much for being such a person. Now our journey together on Earth has ended. But you have started a new journey to all eternity. My dream is to join you on that trip, as God will dictate, soon.
Lolita (daughter):
My mother, my friend, so dear throughout my life. There are no good byes for you and me because wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. I will miss our daily phone calls over the pass 50 years and all the wonderful times spent together. Because of you, I am who I am today. Thank you. I love you.
Your loving daughter, Lolita
Frank (Lolita’s partner):
Thank you for letting me into your family but most of all for letting me into your heart. I am very proud to know you and love you. You will always walk with me for the rest of my life. I love you so.
Kerry (son):
Mom you are the most beautiful person. You guided me, loved me, and were there for me whenever I needed you. You helped develop me into the person I am today. You were the glue that held our family together. Even though we were separated by distance, you kept us connected. Family meant everything to you Remembering birthdays and anniversaries, you made everyone feel special. I loved hearing your voice on the phone. You were always so supportive and always wanted the best for me. You were the epitome of Moms. You were strong, protective, loving, providing and nurturing. You were playful, opinionated and feisty. That’s what we all loved about you. I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful Mom. I am proud to be your son. I miss you so much. There won’t be a day that I won’t remember and think about you. I love you Mom, Kerry
Terrie (daughter-in-law)
Jan welcomed me into her family and made me feel like I truly belonged. She knew my Irish roots were dear to me and every year she sent me a St. Patrick’s Day card. That speaks volumes about who she was. Jan was thoughtful, loving and really showed she cared. I learned so much from her about how to be a good wife, mother and friend. I have many happy memories of our times together that I will cherish always. Thank you so much for all that you did for me. I will always love you, and keep your memory alive.
Jeff (son):
Mom,
You were always there for me and everyone else. You touched everyone’s heart. You were always the first one to greet us when we came through the door. You made sure that everyone was taken care of before yourself. You loved us all and we all loved you. You will be dearly missed, and in our hearts forever. Thank you for being the best mom ever. I love you so much. Until we meet again.
God bless. Forever eternal love, Jeff
Donna (daughter-in-law)
Jan was not only an amazing mother in law to me but my best friend for over four decades.
We shared so many wonderful times together ❤️ I will miss our telephone conversations that sometimes would be more than once a day and could last for over an hour some days. I love you and will miss you! I know that you will be watching over us all 😇
Jacob and Amber (grandson and granddaughter)
Wawa,
All of our childhood memories involve you. From birthdays, holidays, vacations, to spending weeks at your house where we would have the greatest times playing Hide-and-seek, begin never ending games of Monopoly, going to see the latest movies released, teaching us how to bowl, evening Friendly’s trips for ice cream and your famous Christmas cookies. Those memories have lived on and we created even more throughout the years as all the great-grandchildren loved spending every moment they could with Wawa and Papa. No matter where we were or what we were doing, everyone could feel the love from you. You will be missed dearly and we are forever grateful for having you as our amazing, beautiful and loving grandma.
All of our love, Jacob and Amber
Alexis (granddaughter):
Thank you, Grandma for being a part of my life. It was an honor to love you and be a part of your life. Thank you for your love and wisdom. You were so beautiful, especially when you shared your love through a smile. I remember flowers after dance performances and hugs you gave me. As a kid it was a big deal to be a part of the Nutcracker ballet. I got to be on the stage in front of so many people. Grandma recognized how important this was to me, and came to see me dance one year, and we celebrated afterwards. She wore the red Nutcracker shirt we bought her over the years, and would smile when I recognized it.
Ande (granddaughter)
Grandma and Grandpa graciously invited me to live with them while I attended George Mason University as an out of state student. I didn’t know it then, but the last couple of years I spent with them have become some of my most cherished memories. I quickly developed a bond with my grandmother as we laughed over drinks, shared stories of her childhood and ate Chick-fil-A sandwiches with milkshakes. I will always remember shopping with Grandma at her favorite stores, which involved the occasional sneaky monthly charge payment that was just kept between “us girls.” I am so grateful for the time we shared together and the memories I’ll keep forever. It will never be the same without you, Grandma. I love you.
Tory (granddaughter):
Grandma, your laugh was contagious and soul-warming; something I can always play in my head and smile. Although I cannot physically hold your hand to touch, I still have so many memories of the Gramma I loved so very much.
Sammy (granddaughter):
Not many people are blessed with a grandmother like mine. She always made me feel loved and important, even as the family grew with grandchildren and great grandchildren over the years. She never failed to wish me happiness over the holidays and each birthday. I could always count on a call from Grandma and a gift that never failed to arrive on time. I am still amazed when I think of all of the work she did for her family every Christmas. Even when spending the holidays apart, Grandma would manage to give a piece of herself to all of us to make sure we all enjoyed the holidays.
I treasure the memories I have of my Grandmother going over our family tree. I cherish the records that were shared with me and the wonderful stories she divulged. She took the time to introduce me to many of my ancestors who had long since passed. We spent hours going through old photo albums after I had already memorized all the photographs framed in the hall.
My Grandmother was so talented. She inspired me to be more creative through the years. I’ve always kept the blankets she made for me as a child and they are some of my most prized possessions. She also taught me one of the most important lessons, that giving is far better than receiving. If there was one word to describe my Grandmother it would be devotion. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Nick, Trevor, Adam and Sayler (Great-grandchildren):
We love you Wawa. You are the best Great-Grandma we could ever have. We will always love you and miss you so much.
Nick, Trevor, Adam and Sayler
In accordance with Jan’s wishes her body was donated to the Virginia State Anatomical Program.
March 28, 1932 – June 25, 2021
Janice “Jan” Henderson passed away on June 25, 2021. She was able to come home, as was her fervent wish, after receiving excellent care at INOVA Fairfax Hospital Acute Care Center. She died with her loving husband of 68 years, and family surrounding her.
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was born in Schofield, Wisconsin. She met her devoted husband, Vilas “Vi” Henderson at a dance at the Colonial Ballroom which was located between Birnamwood and Wausau, Wisconsin, in August, 1949. They had a partnership that was a shining example of what true love is.
In addition to being a wonderful “hands on” mother, Jan was a skilled homemaker known for her sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and embroidery. She loved to collect antique children’s toys. These she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an excellent cook, often hosting parties and gettogethers with family and friends. She made countless numbers of friends, and kept them throughout her life. Her children’s friends loved to hang out at their home because they knew there would be plenty of good food and snacks. She was famous for her zucchini bread. In recent years she made dozens of loaves with the zucchini from Vi’s garden. Holidays, especially Christmas, were very special. She went to great lengths to make them memorable. She doted on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was kind and generous to her daughters-in-law. Jan had a very special place in her heart for animals, particularly dogs. She rescued many and they were very lucky to have found their forever homes.
Jan is survived by her loving husband Vi Henderson, age 90 (on 8/3/21), children Lolita Schepers, Kerry Henderson (Terrie) and Jeffrey Henderson (Donna). Grandchildren: Jacob, Amber, Alexis, Samantha, Victoria and Andrea Henderson. Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Nicolas, Adam, Trevor, Sayler and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Jennie Balz, husband John and father, Joseph Wendt, brother Jerry Wendt and sister-in-law Joy Wendt.
These are some personal messages from Jan’s family:
Vi (husband):
My Beloved Wife
Together we have traveled a long journey, over seventy years. It’s been a wonderful journey during which I grew to love and appreciate you more each day. You have been and still are the one and only star in my universe. Together we raised three children. You and I have been blessed that they and their families have turned out to be our treasures. But you were the Matriarch. with love and care creating the bond that has made us what we are. You have never wavered from making and nurturing relationships with relatives, neighbors and acquaintances. Your loyalty and love for others is a hallmark of your life, and I have loved you so much for being such a person. Now our journey together on Earth has ended. But you have started a new journey to all eternity. My dream is to join you on that trip, as God will dictate, soon.
Lolita (daughter):
My mother, my friend, so dear throughout my life. There are no good byes for you and me because wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. I will miss our daily phone calls over the pass 50 years and all the wonderful times spent together. Because of you, I am who I am today. Thank you. I love you.
Your loving daughter, Lolita
Frank (Lolita’s partner):
Thank you for letting me into your family but most of all for letting me into your heart. I am very proud to know you and love you. You will always walk with me for the rest of my life. I love you so.
Kerry (son):
Mom you are the most beautiful person. You guided me, loved me, and were there for me whenever I needed you. You helped develop me into the person I am today. You were the glue that held our family together. Even though we were separated by distance, you kept us connected. Family meant everything to you Remembering birthdays and anniversaries, you made everyone feel special. I loved hearing your voice on the phone. You were always so supportive and always wanted the best for me. You were the epitome of Moms. You were strong, protective, loving, providing and nurturing. You were playful, opinionated and feisty. That’s what we all loved about you. I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful Mom. I am proud to be your son. I miss you so much. There won’t be a day that I won’t remember and think about you. I love you Mom, Kerry
Terrie (daughter-in-law)
Jan welcomed me into her family and made me feel like I truly belonged. She knew my Irish roots were dear to me and every year she sent me a St. Patrick’s Day card. That speaks volumes about who she was. Jan was thoughtful, loving and really showed she cared. I learned so much from her about how to be a good wife, mother and friend. I have many happy memories of our times together that I will cherish always. Thank you so much for all that you did for me. I will always love you, and keep your memory alive.
Jeff (son):
Mom,
You were always there for me and everyone else. You touched everyone’s heart. You were always the first one to greet us when we came through the door. You made sure that everyone was taken care of before yourself. You loved us all and we all loved you. You will be dearly missed, and in our hearts forever. Thank you for being the best mom ever. I love you so much. Until we meet again.
God bless. Forever eternal love, Jeff
Donna (daughter-in-law)
Jan was not only an amazing mother in law to me but my best friend for over four decades.
We shared so many wonderful times together ❤️ I will miss our telephone conversations that sometimes would be more than once a day and could last for over an hour some days. I love you and will miss you! I know that you will be watching over us all 😇
Jacob and Amber (grandson and granddaughter)
Wawa,
All of our childhood memories involve you. From birthdays, holidays, vacations, to spending weeks at your house where we would have the greatest times playing Hide-and-seek, begin never ending games of Monopoly, going to see the latest movies released, teaching us how to bowl, evening Friendly’s trips for ice cream and your famous Christmas cookies. Those memories have lived on and we created even more throughout the years as all the great-grandchildren loved spending every moment they could with Wawa and Papa. No matter where we were or what we were doing, everyone could feel the love from you. You will be missed dearly and we are forever grateful for having you as our amazing, beautiful and loving grandma.
All of our love, Jacob and Amber
Alexis (granddaughter):
Thank you, Grandma for being a part of my life. It was an honor to love you and be a part of your life. Thank you for your love and wisdom. You were so beautiful, especially when you shared your love through a smile. I remember flowers after dance performances and hugs you gave me. As a kid it was a big deal to be a part of the Nutcracker ballet. I got to be on the stage in front of so many people. Grandma recognized how important this was to me, and came to see me dance one year, and we celebrated afterwards. She wore the red Nutcracker shirt we bought her over the years, and would smile when I recognized it.
Ande (granddaughter)
Grandma and Grandpa graciously invited me to live with them while I attended George Mason University as an out of state student. I didn’t know it then, but the last couple of years I spent with them have become some of my most cherished memories. I quickly developed a bond with my grandmother as we laughed over drinks, shared stories of her childhood and ate Chick-fil-A sandwiches with milkshakes. I will always remember shopping with Grandma at her favorite stores, which involved the occasional sneaky monthly charge payment that was just kept between “us girls.” I am so grateful for the time we shared together and the memories I’ll keep forever. It will never be the same without you, Grandma. I love you.
Tory (granddaughter):
Grandma, your laugh was contagious and soul-warming; something I can always play in my head and smile. Although I cannot physically hold your hand to touch, I still have so many memories of the Gramma I loved so very much.
Sammy (granddaughter):
Not many people are blessed with a grandmother like mine. She always made me feel loved and important, even as the family grew with grandchildren and great grandchildren over the years. She never failed to wish me happiness over the holidays and each birthday. I could always count on a call from Grandma and a gift that never failed to arrive on time. I am still amazed when I think of all of the work she did for her family every Christmas. Even when spending the holidays apart, Grandma would manage to give a piece of herself to all of us to make sure we all enjoyed the holidays.
I treasure the memories I have of my Grandmother going over our family tree. I cherish the records that were shared with me and the wonderful stories she divulged. She took the time to introduce me to many of my ancestors who had long since passed. We spent hours going through old photo albums after I had already memorized all the photographs framed in the hall.
My Grandmother was so talented. She inspired me to be more creative through the years. I’ve always kept the blankets she made for me as a child and they are some of my most prized possessions. She also taught me one of the most important lessons, that giving is far better than receiving. If there was one word to describe my Grandmother it would be devotion. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Nick, Trevor, Adam and Sayler (Great-grandchildren):
We love you Wawa. You are the best Great-Grandma we could ever have. We will always love you and miss you so much.
Nick, Trevor, Adam and Sayler
In accordance with Jan’s wishes her body was donated to the Virginia State Anatomical Program.
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