Nancy Henry

Nancy Lou (DeHaven) Henry was born August 22, 1939 in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. She was the youngest daughter of John and Lilian DeHaven and had an older sister, Dorothy, all who passed before her. Nancy is survived by her husband, Carl Henry; children: Stephanie Roybal (Gary), David Henry (Kathy), and Shannon Bohlken (Richard); grandchildren: Adam Henry (Tiffani), Amanda Cisneros (Keith Pacheco), Kamryn Bohlken; and great grandchildren: Greydon and Vivienne Henry.

Nancy went to William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where she received a Bachelors in Math and History, which she used to teach high school. She continued with graduate studies, but struggled with German class, so she took a year to go to Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas where she met her future husband, Carl Henry, who was in the same German class. They stayed in contact, eventually fell in love, and got married in 1962. After getting married, they packed their belongings in their green Volkswagen Beetle and struck out for Los Alamos, New Mexico, where Carl worked. Nancy and Carl raised their three children Stephanie (Roybal), David Henry, and Shannon (Bohlken) in Los Alamos.

During her life, Nancy had many adventures, some not so good. When she was teaching high school in Kansas City, an armed robber broke into her apartment, tied up her and her roommate, cut the telephone wire, and got away with $3. Nancy, angry and ever resourceful, managed to get unbound, put the telephone wires back together, and called the police.

Nancy loved art, history, studying languages (German, French, Italian, and Spanish), architecture, and traveling abroad. She and Carl traveled to many countries in Europe as well as Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Thailand, China, Morocco, and Russia. Their home was filled with mementos from their many trips, including a real camel saddle Carl brought back in his suitcase.

When she wasn't traveling the world, Nancy took up making pottery, studying with Felipe Ortega, a Jicarilla Apache potter. She made many beautiful red clay pots using horse hair that were fired on a wood pit.

Nancy loved decorating her home, especially for holidays. Her Christmas tree was decorated in white lights and beautiful gold and crystal ornaments. It usually took a full week to complete.

A work opportunity took Carl and Nancy to Washington, DC, where she immersed herself in the D.C. lifestyle. She loved going to the Kennedy Center and enjoyed volunteering at the White House. She would hit the Starbucks and head out to volunteer, see the sights, and shop!

Nancy might say one of her greatest accomplishment was the 15 years spent researching, collecting and compiling her family ancestry. She traced her ancestry all the way back to 1536. Through her ancestry research, she found several relatives who served in the Revolutionary War and one who was a Monuments Men during World War II. Nancy was a member of St. Chad's Episcopal Church, Albuquerque Genealogical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, National Huguenot Society, Irish Palatine Association, and Dubois Family Association.

Some of Nancy's favorite things were Peanut Buster Parfaits on the 4th of July; Chile Rellenos from El Paragua in Espanola; fish tacos from Flying Star, and her Starbucks' drinks, which had at least five components.

She shared her wisdom and love of life with her three grandchildren.

Adam (Henry) recalled sitting with Grandma on the balcony in Santa Fe and practicing French lessons with her. Adam visited his grandparents in Washington DC where they would take the Metro all over the city--running errands, sightseeing, going to Boston Market for lunch, and visiting Grandma's ancestor's grave sites.

Amanda (Cisneros) recalled Grandma sharing a love of traveling the world and filling her home with her many souvenirs. Grandma always dressed up for company and set a beautiful table, even if they were just eating Panera Bread. Amanda will remember her Grandma as classy, passionately stubborn, and full of wisdom (e.g., always wear sunglasses that cover your eyebrows).

Kamryn (Bohlken) recalls Grandma laying with her in the dark when she had hemiplegic migraines in elementary school, which were very scary. She recalls Grandma was always patient and compassionate, teaching her that sometimes the most impactful form of love doesn't come from words or solutions but by simply being present. A particularly fond memory is when she and Grandma built the most elaborate fort that took up the whole living room. Not only did Grandma help build the fort, but she also spent the whole afternoon playing inside it. She had a beautiful way of showing that no matter how old you grow, you never have to let go of the joy of life.

Nancy's passing leaves a large void in her husband's, children's, and grandchildren's lives, but through our memories of her, she will always be remembered and loved.

Nancy's family would like to thank Roadrunner Home Health Care, Roadrunner Hospice and the staff at Montebello on Academy for the gracious care and support they provided Nancy and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Roadrunner Food Bank.

A private service will be held at a future date.