Barbara Ann Henderson died April 24, 2016, surrounded by family at her son’s Paradise Valley, Ariz., home. She was born July 20, 1934, in Chicago, Ill., to Maurine and O.E. “Pete” Peterson. She met her future husband, Warsaw native Sam Henderson, at DePauw and their 30-year marriage began in 1957. She was raised in Crown Point. She graduated summa cum laude from DePauw University, Greencastle, in 1956. In 1962, she and Sam moved to Warsaw where they began raising their two sons, Scott and Peter. They moved to Benton Harbor, Mich., in 1967, where Barb has lived since. She, leading through example, instilled in her children what her parents had instilled in her – that giving back to your community was not only a duty but, equally importantly, a privilege. Her career and volunteer paths were interlaced and at all times grounded in the belief that she and others with whom she worked could make a difference in this world. She loved her church, working tirelessly to sustain and then grow and nurture congregational communities that provided the spiritual home and support for their members whose friendship she valued so deeply. She worked regularly on matters that would sweepingly improve the lives of many but never forgot that a simple smile and a kind, attentive word could brighten someone’s day. She was quick to put aside her own troubles to offer support and she was able to draw upon her own fears and frailties to provide real comfort to those feeling frightened and vulnerable. In short, she loved her family, her friends, her work, her community, her church and especially God’s grace upon her that allowed her to make differences in this world – great and small – in her 82 years. Surviving are two sons, Scott (and fiancée, Donna Kent) and Peter (and spouse Chandi); four grandchildren: Meredeth, Hannah, Sam and Dana; a niece, Carole Sotter (and spouse Dean), and their children, Andy and Jane; and a brother-in-law, Chuck Silvola. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. June 1 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, St. Joseph, Mich. ***** Memorials to the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Barb’s name.
