Laura Rosalia Henny

“Dare alla Luce”, in Italian is a phrase that is used when a baby is born, which translates to “to give to the light”. We are given to the light twice in this life, once when we are born and once when we die.

Born to Jacob and Josephine Bartnik on a Wednesday, January 8, 1919, in Mt Angel, Oregon, Laura was the youngest of the family, joining her older brother Herbert Bartnik, and her older sister Gertrude Bartnik, with whom she shared the same birthday but five years apart. Her Mother was from Austria, and her Father was of Polish descent. Laura died on the cusp of the full moon, Thursday, March 13th, at 9:57am. The weather today seemed to mirror the mix of emotions we're all experiencing. There were moments of Oregon rain, glimpses of sunshine, and then the sudden roar of thunder and the clatter of hail on the rooftops. If that wasn’t enough, there was also a total eclipse of the moon that night. Laura cherished the lifelong bond she shared with her six classmates from grammar school. These seven exceptional women remained close friends for over nine decades, and we acknowledge Laura as the last of this incredible group of ladies to pass away.

While in her youth, she had a passion for tennis, and an early claim to fame was roller skating down the hill from Mt. Angel Abbey into town where she lived on Taylor Street in Mt. Angel. After graduating high school, she furthered her education and became a primary school teacher for a brief time.

On June 6, 1942, Laura married Millard Thomas Henny. Together, they created Millard Henny Nursery on their 52-acre farm in Brooks, Oregon. Laura played an active role as the business manager, even publishing an annual catalog for their renowned Glendale and Gable Azaleas. Their nursery became nationally recognized for its cultivation of evergreen azaleas and they were sold around the world.

She loved the natural world and all types of flowers, but she always held dear the prized pink bachelor buttons that would emerge amidst a sea of blue ones. And of course, we'll always remember her for one of her most beloved flowers, the Zinnia. Another memory that comes to mind, especially in the fall, is when she and Millard would drive around and collect Daphne cuttings to cultivate. Laura's passions extended far beyond the realm of homemaking, even though she was known for her award winning Marionberry and apple pies coast to coast. She even served her Marionberry pie to the Rothchild family from France, who were visiting Oregon wine collectors. Laura was also a dedicated antique collector with a vast knowledge and expertise of glassware and had quite a collection of biscuit jars.

In 1997, Laura and Millard retired from the nursery business and moved from the farm into Woodburn. After a lengthy illness Millard passed away in 2001.

This past week as we sat by your bedside and watched you slowly leave this earth, we are filled with gratitude. You and your late husband, Millard Henny, created a beautiful legacy in your four remarkable children: Thomas Henny, Richard Henny (Barbara), Marc Henny (Bonnie), and Janet/Magdalena Abdon (Scott). All of your children have been self-motivated and successful. But Mom you were the glue that kept this family together and helped it function smoothly.

She is survived by her children, six grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Many of which referred to her as simply “Grandma Honey”.

Come celebrate the life of Laura Rosalia Bartnik Henny with her family, Friday, March 21st Rosary at 1:00pm, Funeral Mass at 1:30 - Reception following the Mass, Saint Edwards Catholic Church. 5303 River Road N - Keizer, OR 97303. Private Interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Gervais.