Obituary of Annabel Henderson

Annabel (Sally) Henderson passed away on Sunday, October 14th following a tragic accident. She was 77 years old. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, James, children, Thomas (Monica), Virginia (Roger) Susick, Anthony (Linda) and grandchildren, Bethany, Faith, Christopher, Matthew, John and Kelly; all residing in the Gig Harbor area. Sally was born on November 23, 1929 in Olympia, WA to Earnest Cravens and Nora Burnett Cravens. She had no brothers or sisters. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1948. She met James Henderson at the Tumwater Roller Rink in 1946 and they married in 1949; they continued skating until 1952, stopping to raise a family. They lived in Tumwater until 1958 when they moved to Tacoma. In 1983 they moved into their newly built home on 5 acres in Arletta, near Gig Harbor. Sally and James were devoted companions and best friends. In 1978, with their children grown and retirement approaching, they started a new hobby together, square dancing, which they enjoyed for nearly 30 years. With James, Sally was a current and active member of “Swinging Squares”. She was a high level round dancer and danced with the “Rhythm Rounder’s” of Olympia. In 1996, James and Sally returned to the activity that brought them together 50 years earlier, roller skating. In addition to square dancing and roller skating they enjoyed working in their yard, traveling in their motor home, and cultivating the many friendships they developed along the way. Sally was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a fun grandma and a loyal friend. Her gift to others was her desire to gather family and friends together. It did not take long for an acquaintance to become her dear friend. We will remember with gratitude the generous and happy spirit with which she initiated social events and welcomed others to her home. She served delicious meals and was always up for a game of cards afterwards. All she asked for in return was a mandatory group photo and a good-bye hug. Sally did not become a Grandma until the age of 55 but once she did she made up for lost time and doted on her grandchildren. We remember sleepovers, never ending bowls of ice cream, playing games such as Mexican Train or Skip Bo, and having special one-on-one times with Grandma, shopping or going to the movies or out to breakfast or lunch. She was caring and soft-hearted and wanted the best for her grandchildren. She took joy in even the smallest of their accomplishments and was always deeply concerned over any trial or hardship that they might be experiencing. Whenever we came to her house, she greeted us at the door with a hug and waved good-bye to us from the porch when we left until our car disappeared down the driveway. We will always feel her presence whenever we enter or leave her home. The family invites you to join us in a celebration of Sally's life at a memorial service on Friday, October 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 3510 Rosedale Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Sally's memory to "Swinging Squares" c/o George McIvor 140 E. Linden, Tacoma, WA 98404. The Henderson family would like to recognize the medical community that provided the transport and care for Sally. The very professional Gig Harbor Fire Department Paramedics who arrived on the scene and transported her to Tacoma General Hospital did an exceptional job. The staff at Tacoma General Hospital in both the Emergency Room and the Intensive Care Unit were outstanding in both the care of our mother and the compassion they showed us. We in the Henderson family are deeply grateful for all that you did for us. Please leave your online memories of Sally and condolences for the family by clicking on the "View Guestbook" link below.