Emily Ann Henderson

Emily Ann Telford Henderson, died peacefully April 14, 2019 at 10:15p.m at the age of 100. Her parents were Jim and Milly Telford. She had two siblings who predeceased her Dick Telford and Mary Lou Telford Bothamly. Emily graduated from East Lansing High School and Michigan State University. She was married to Norman D. Henderson, M.D. After Norm died at age 51, she went to work at Michigan State University spending much of her time working in the Department of Speech and Audiology which she loved. She leaves behind two children; Michael Henderson, M.D. and Milly Gilin (Gene); six grandchildren, Kirsten Henderson Schwark (Matt), Koren Henderson, Cristen Henderson Shinbasi (James), Charles Henderson (Julie), Jennifer Gilin Novello (Jon) and Sarah Gilin Kent, and 13 great grandchildren and four nieces and nephews.

A service will be held for Emily on May 31st at 2:00p.m. in East Lansing, Michigan at The Peoples Church. We would like to thank all of the people who lovingly took care of her including her support team from Sparrow Hospice ( Michael Crosby R.N., Jennifer and their whole team) and the staff at Timber Ridge Vista Springs (Lexi, McKenzie, Jody, Wesley Ann, Belinda, Jacob and their whole team). A big thank you to Karen Wernette whose care allowed Emily to live independently well into her 99th year and who continued to help her adjust to living at Timber Ridge and was with her until the end. These people are truly angels on earth and we have been blessed by them.

It has been said that each person’s heaven would be unique. If we could guess what heaven would be like for Emily, it would look like this: She would have her questions answered and see the face of God. She would ask him to find a way to bring peace and love to the world she loved so much.

Her husband, Norman D. Henderson M.D., would be with her and they would be dancing to their song, a Stardust Melody, after a 50 year separation. The relief and joy for her would light up the sky. Her body would move in ways it hasn't been able to move in a long time. She would be able to hear the music that she loved playing again and feel his embrace. She would feel pretty again.

She would have lots of cats with her and they would be purring and sitting on her lap in the big comfy chair she loved. She would be surrounded by all her paintings and beautiful color that she loved so much. Her fingers would move again the way she wanted them to work. Books would be everywhere and she would be able to read them because she could see so well and her mind would be clear and sharp again.

She would be able to walk the beach on Lake Michigan and find Petoskey Stones. She would feel the wind and the warmth of the sun on her body. She would hear the gentle sound of the waves. She would have the latest computer and all the technology that went with it. Her mind would once again be able to figure out all the cool things that could be done with it. She would enjoy being a little impatient at times.

Everything would be organized and in order. She would be reunited with her friends and family that have passed before her and she would greet each one, one-by-one. She has missed their company so much.

She would be near to those she had to leave behind, keeping her eye on all of us, until we meet again. She would forgive us for anything that was hard for her. She would be feeling grateful for those who loved her and for those she loved.

She would finally be home.

Love would shine unconditionally.