Frances Henderson

Frances “Jean” Henderson, age 83, of Buffalo Road in Galien, Michigan died at 8:57 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2012 at her home following an extended illness.

She was born on December 28, 1928 in Niles, Michigan to Fred & Frances (Hardenburgh) Weist, was graduated from Niles High School in 1947, and lived in this area all of her life.

Jean was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles and a member of the American Legion Post 344 Auxiliary in Galien. She enjoyed playing card games and Scrabble.

On February 18, 1950 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles she married Alexander R. “Sonny” Henderson, Jr. with whom she celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on August 28, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and by a sister, Carol Sonnenleiter on March 31, 2008.

Surviving family includes daughters Sheila Jean (& Charles) Neuman of Galien, and Marsha Ann Huss of Niles, son Alex R. Henderson, III, of Niles, and grandchildren Michael Henderson, Justin Henderson, Andrew Neuman, Ben Neuman, Rick Neuman and Kim (& Willie) Hostetler; Jean’s brother, Frederick J. (& Jan) Weist of Frankfort, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; and a special circle of friends including an “adoptive daughter”, Deborah Stojic, and a caregiving friend, Cindy Kuhl..

The funeral service for Frances Jean Henderson will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with the Rev. David Otto of Saint Mary Catholic Church, Niles officiating and eulogy by family friend Nancy McDonald. Committal Rites will follow at Galien Cemetery, Galien, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 until 8:00p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Jean may be made to the American Legion Post 344 Auxiliary.

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