In Memory of Henrietta Oenbrink

In Memory of Henrietta Oenbrink (October 24, 1927 – Sept. 3, 2014).

Our friend, our co-worker, our family. At 15, Henrietta left home to study to be a nun and was awarded her black veil at age 18.  She was sent to Detroit and various locations in Florida over the years, before landing at St. Ann Catholic School where she was principal for 12 years.  St. Ann’s is where she met Jerry Oenbrink, a widower.  She said no one was more surprised than she was when they decided to tie the knot.  The same year she was married, Henrietta came to work for our firm as a receptionist and quickly became its heart and soul for the next 30 years. She kept us all in line.  After her husband passed away, we all felt we became her family.

Although she lived alone, she was never alone.  She had us and we had Henrie. Henrie was always happy and in good spirits.  She was the most generous, thoughtful and selfless person you could ever meet and was adored by everyone.  As father Murtagh said at her memorial service, “She was good in every aspect of her life.”  What better tribute could be said of Henrie?  While she will be missed by all of us; she will never be forgotten.