Obituary of Kathleen Mary Henriksen
I'll take you home again Kathleen,
Across the ocean wild and wide
To where your heart will feel no pain.
It is with love, light and the peace of god that Kathleen Henriksen (née Kelly) a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to so many closed this chapter of her life her on earth on August 9th, 2017.
Kathleen was born in Newry, Ireland on August 24th, 1939 to parents Thomas & Mary Kelly. She was the sister to 8 loving and protective brothers; Tony (Mia), Danny (Bernie), James (Katherine), Raymond (Drinda), Phillip (Marilynn), Eugene (Enid), Declin and little Patty. In this sea of Irish brothers, Kathleen was also blessed with one sister - Helen (Sven).
Kathleen immigrated to Canada in 1958 with her parents & siblings to begin the next adventure in her life. It was here she met the love of her life - Jens Henriksen. In their 55 years of marriage they created many loving memories, walked arm in arm through struggles and supported one another through all life's ups and downs. Kathleen's most treasured accomplishment was the family she and Jens created. Together they had 4 beautiful children; baby Stephen (dc), Kaja, Jamie, & Parnell (Kristi). The love and nurturing Kathleen provided the kids as they grew and became individuals will be forever ingrained in each of them. The knowledge that no matter what adversity they faced over the years they could always come home again to an open door, warm meal, and a firm but loving kick in the butt was a constant strength for each of them. In 2015, Kathleen was overjoyed to become a grandmother for the first time with the arrival of grandson Kellan Jens Henriksen - and although her time with him may have been short she can rest knowing that her feisty Irish spirit lives on within him! In true Kathleen spirit she also opened her heart to three more grandchildren as though they were her own, Ryker, Logan, and Jack and although they only knew her for a short time their hearts are bigger and better for it.
She spent most of her adult life living on Broadview Road where her open doors allowed for many cherished memories to be made with family, friends and the children throughout the neighbourhood that she spent many years caring for. Many will remember sitting with Kathleen and reminiscing with an Irish coffee in hand. Kathleen was not one to mince her words or take to nonsense; she was witty and humorous - all things we will miss dearly. She also loved the quieter things in life like reading, movies, the library, and Coronation Street, but above all of these things Kathleen enjoyed making a home for Jens.
Kaja wanted to share a short poem that she felt would be her mother's message to all she left behind:
May the Road Rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the Sunshine be warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Kathleen, you will be missed by Jens and your children, grandchildren, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, family in Denmark, and all the lives that you touched in your time here on earth. As you begin this next chapter in your life take this time to heal, rest and reconnect with loved ones that passed before you; your parents, baby Stephen, Tony, James, and little brother Patty. Feel no pain, release any guilt for leaving earth and know you will live forever in our hearts and your legacy will live on. This is not goodbye it is only until we see you again "Mother".
We want to send our sincerest gratitude to all those at the Foothills Hospital - ICU Pod A who cared for Kathleen in her last days - you are amazing people!
The family appreciates all your loving wishes and sentiments. As there will not be a funeral service, the family will be hosting a private celebration of life on her birthday. In lieu of flowers, Kathleen would have wanted you to hug your loved ones just a little longer today, share a memory or two with her family (here on this site would be great) and save your pennies for a rainy day!
Much Love ,
The Henriksen Family.