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1925 ~ 2014
Mary Lorraine Stephens Henriod died on March 19, 2014, in Salt Lake City from causes incident to age. She was born May 12, 1925 in Los Angeles, California, to Clark and Afton Jones Stephens and had one brother, David. Each school year she was soon recognized as "the smartest girl in the class," devouring books and winning prizes for her writing. She began the University of Utah at age 17, was the associate editor of the Chronicle, and misspelled Joseph Henriod's name in a notice for the paper, an irony she understood after they married as she spent the rest of her life correcting its misspellings. She worked as a reporter for the Deseret News until their six children started arriving. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 39 when her youngest children, twins, were three, Lorraine sat down in a wheelchair and never walked again. But her intellectual life was untroubled by her physical limitations, and she continued to read and write: six published children's books, family histories, annual birthday letters to grandchildren, and decades churning out the ward newsletter, a job she tried to quit every five years. She was a life-long Democrat and loved cancelling out Joe's vote in elections. Lorraine endured her children and then grandchildren running while they pushed her, tipping her back for wheelies, and sometimes dropping her; gladly wore a wide range of beautiful clothes she neither selected nor shopped for from fringed cowboy shirts to Chinese Empress jackets; had subscriptions to two daily and one weekly newspaper; and books in every room of the house. Warm and caring, Lorraine had a way of uplifting and engaging others. People came to her including her once-a-month writing group in the living room, lunches with her sorority sisters in the dining room, and friends and family members in the kitchen. Never one to complain about her own problems but ready to listen and offer support, visitors always felt better after a talk with her. She loved sitting in the sun with her pants rolled up, her face turned to the light.
She is survived by her children Steve (Paula Heller), Jane (Stuart Wise), Paul (Shelley Barrett), Joe (Holly Hartman), Matt (Cathie Broadbent), Marianne (Mike Moffitt); 19 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Her husband Joe of 64 years died in 2011. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at noon with a visitation held from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m., at the ward house located at 2215 East Roosevelt Avenue, SLC, UT 84108. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive, SLC, UT 84106.
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It is always sad to lose a loved one- She raised a great family and her memory will last forever I am sure! Joe my heart goes out to you and the family.
Michael Loulias
March 14, 2019
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. She will be missed.
Susan Bottoms
March 26, 2014
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Lorraine but happy for Lorriane to graduate. Growing up next door to the Henriods gave me a great appreciation for the parenting Joe and Lorraine did. They raised great kids. We had lots of fun, parties, trips and friendships. Her wonderful smile, encouraging words and bright intellect will be missed. She was a bright light in this world.
Love to all, Ann Peterson Pehrson
March 25, 2014
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. So sorry for your loss. Glad she is now with her loving husband.
Kris and Dave Peterson
March 23, 2014
I was privileged to know Lorraine as a member of her monthly writing group. A wide variety of both well-known and aspiring writers regularly visited the Henriods' living room. Lorraine welcomed us warmly, encouraged each one of us and was a powerful, uplifting inspiration to all of us. Many works in progress were read in their entirety in our monthly meetings. Those who offered advice to the writers included well-known authors such as Gloria Skurzynski, Barbara Williams, Ivy Ruckman, Jerry Johnston, Dorothy Solomon, Barbara Lewis and Ann Cannon. And among the most memorable works were those authored by Lorraine herself. I will always remember two of her books, Grandma's Wheelchair and Double Vision. Especially memorable was her own life story that she authored while we met as a group. I loved hearing about the part where she and Joe had an argument, and then she apologized and he said, "Are you sorry enough to propose to me?" and she then said, "Will you marry me?" leading to their engagement. Lorraine is one of the classiest, most courageous, most upbeat people I've ever had the privilege of knowing and I will always be grateful l that our paths crossed. Lorraine was a gem, a one-of a kind good sport and amazing woman. My condolences to her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your happy memories bring you comfort at this difficult time. With love and best wishes, Carolyn Campbell
March 22, 2014
Jane, Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She lived a long and wonderful life. Remember all of the fun times that you had with her. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Your friend...from Highland High.
Linda Adams De Vore
March 21, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
March 21, 2014
I knew most of the Henriod family when I practiced law in Salt Lake. Son, Steve, was and is a very good friend. The Henriod family was an exemplary example of how a families should treat each other. Our sympathies for the passing of Lorraine. Kent and Donna Yano
March 21, 2014
Matt, Joe and Holly - sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Levy
March 21, 2014
I ADMIRED EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF HER. MY LOVE TO YOU ALL. ROSIE GARFF MERBACK
March 21, 2014
I loved her! She was always happy, smiling and cheery. She made everyone feel so important, she seemed intrigued by getting to know everyone around her. She never complained about anything. She was just happy to be alive and in the presence of those she loved. I can't help but smile when I think about the amazing reunion with her sweetheart, walking up to him for the first time in so many years.
Brenda Moffitt Robertson
March 20, 2014
Dear Jane and Family,
So sorry to hear of Lorraine's passing. She was truly an amazing woman with such an incredible mind and attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Nancy Thorup
Nancy Thorup
March 20, 2014
I have very fond memories of Aunt Lorraine! She was brave, warm, witty, and kind! Blessings to you all as you navigate life with out this family beacon of hope and harmony! Love and best wishes, Sara Delogu Olson
Sara Delogu Olson
March 20, 2014
Henriod Family - I'm so sorry for the passing of your sweet mother. Having lived next door to your family, I know that she was a force in our great neighborhood. As a young child, I remember our mothers at their weekly beauty parlor hair appointment and your mother talking to all the ladies about issues with her legs and an upcoming appointment with a doctor. Ultimately in a wheelchair, I don't think it slowed her down. I remember well, her coming out onto the back porch and yelling for Matt and Marianne to come home. I am forever grateful for the sweet friendship that our parents have shared all their lives, and find it funny that they flipped a coin over the lots that they bought side by side. We had a great neighborhood to grow up in - Lorraine was just another mom to all us kids. Love and kisses to all the family.
Karen Peterson Andrews
March 20, 2014
Jane, all my love and tender thoughts as you adjust to this separation from your mother. Caitlin, love to you as well my dear. What a wonderful line of women you all have... Love and prayers...
Allison Belnap
March 20, 2014
Dear Henriod Family--I'm so sorry for your loss, welcome though it may have been. Your mother was a force in the cosmos of the neighborhood and had a tremendous impact on the Engar clan. Her obituary is stellar--I'm sure she's pleased. As Elliott can atttest, here in Hawaii all women in generations ahead are lovingly referred to as "aunty." In thinking about the passing of your mother, I have lost a beloved aunty. May you feel comfort and peace at this sad, sad time. With lots of aloha, Elizabeth Warner
Elizabeth Warner
March 20, 2014
Jane - So sorry for the loss of your mother. She's now free of her earthly chains and has been reunited with loved ones. May God bless you and your family at this time of grief.
Kathy Clayton
March 20, 2014
What a Noble Lady! The Wise family was lucky to have a share in her wonderful heritage. Love to all your family. I am sure she will be missed but her writing, good nature, energy, and sharp wit continue on in her children and grandchildren. Love, Karen Wise Hanneman
March 20, 2014
Dear Joe- what a wonderful life history she had- never an easy thing to have to say goodbye- My heart goes out to you and your family!
Mike Loulias
Mike Loulias
March 20, 2014
What a fascinating, 21st century woman. I wish I had known her and am most grateful to know her daughter. Lovisa
Lovisa Lyman
March 20, 2014
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