1936 – 2013

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — Joan Henry, 77, of Summerville, S.C., and originally from Wilton, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 17, after recent hospitalizations for pneumonia and kidney failure. She was at home surrounded by her family: her beloved husband, Jim; her daughters, Julie McKenna (Wes) and Jennifer Rabicki (Tony); and her cat, Jasmine. Also left to mourn her passing are her grandchildren, Mark and Amy McKenna, and dear neighbors of many years.

Words in a newspaper can never express what a caring, loving, wonderful person she was. Joni, as Jim always called her, was a remarkable stay-at-home mother and wife. She delighted her daughters — as well as neighborhood kids — with the wonderful smells of homemade doughnuts and baked bread when they got home from school and were allowed to sample. Joni was noted for her homemade pizza crust and sauce, which she made for kids’ parties and other get-togethers. She made Julie and Jenn’s Halloween costumes and sewed their dolls’ extensive wardrobes.

She and the girls did most of the yardwork, mowing, planting flowers, weeding, etc., all to make Jim’s life less-stressful after work. Joan was a great mom and Nana, and was well-loved by all of her neighbors and the friends she had all over the country.

Her family thanks Amedisys hospice personnel, especially Anna, who gave Joan great, compassionate care, and also Dr. Castellone, whom looked after her health and well-being, with loving dedication for more than 25 years.