Katheryn Irene Henry

Katheryn Irene Lewis Henry, 88, passed away Thursday, June 17, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Kathy, as she was known, was born November 21, 1932, in Montebello, California, to Theodore Frances and Edna Marion Lewis. She was the fifth generation born in California on her father’s side and third generation born in the U.S. on her mother’s side. She lived in Arizona for more than 60 years and was a longtime Scottsdale resident.

Growing up she lived in Oatman, Arizona, during the heyday of Route 66 where her she pumped gas at her stepfather’s service station. She went to high school in Prescott, Arizona, and graduated in 1951 from St. Joseph’s Academy, a girls boarding school that is now closed. She remained close friends with several classmates for more than 70 years.

A single mother working long hours, she nevertheless provided a loving and supportive home for three kids, her mother and grandmother. She was a second mother to the children in her south Scottsdale neighborhood and later to her adult children’s friends.

She married, and later divorced, Charles Allen Henry, Sr., and is survived by their three children: Charles Henry, Jr., John Timothy Henry, and Lorretta Mazoff; five grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Justin, Katy Jo and John Henry; and five great-grandchildren, Sarah, Payton, Tristan, Dylan, and Bryn Henry. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law Alan Mazoff and daughter-in-law DeAnna Henry.

She had a long and loving relationship with Daniel Greenberg with whom she shared ocean cruises, deep sea fishing expeditions and the love of fine food and wine. He passed away in 1998. She also enjoyed swimming, dancing and reading and had just received a fresh supply of library books a few days before her death. Later in life she took up oil painting and her works are displayed in the homes of many friends and family members. She was a prolific knitter and many babies were welcomed into the world with one of her blankets.

Services and a celebration of life are pending. Contributions in her honor are welcome at St. Mary’s Food Bank (firstfoodbank.org) or a charity of choice.