When she was 8 to 12 years of age she was tap dancing in vaudeville shows to help support the family. The family immigrated to Detroit in 1923 where her father worked for the Ford Motor Company. When the depression hit, three families caravanned to Oregon to find work. Mom dropped out of school to help support the family for a few years, but returned to complete her education and graduated from Washington High School before returning to work. She married Norman A. Henderson in 1939, followed by the birth of Norman, Jr. and Robert M. in 1942 and 1945. She returned to work at Montgomery Ward in 1950 and worked in the telephone order department until she retired.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norman, Sr. and her sister Mary. She is survived by her sons, Norman (JoAnn) and Robert(Linda). Grandchildren Robbie Henderson and Kristin Tierney. Nieces Pat Walker (Chuck Belt) and Julie Daniels (Jim) and grandniece Alison.

Mom danced to the big bands at Janzen, went skiing at hood in the ’50s and drove anything on wheels. But mostly she was a mom; she lived for her boys.