Lena Henkin

Henkin, Lena
RENSSELAER - Lena Henkin of Rensselaer passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, in her home at the age of 98. Lena was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Herbert Henkin, who died in 2020. She is survived by her children, Deborah of Brooklyn, N.Y., George (Norene) of Wynantskill, N.Y., Judith of Marshfield, Vt., and Daniel (Sachiko) of Larchmont, N.Y.; and her grandchildren, Ryland, Elizabeth, and Evelyn.
Lena, whose friends knew her as Lee, grew up in the Bronx, and raised her family with Herbert in Albany, residing there from 1960-2020. She worked as a secretary to several members of the N.Y. State Legislature, including Manfred Ohrenstein, before becoming the Director of Patient Intake in the Albany Medical Center Business Office for more than 20 years. Always a hard worker, Lee went on to also spend more than 10 years working in the business office at St. Peter's Hospital. Even after retirement, Lee and Herb were fixtures as volunteers for countless municipal events in the City of Albany, from fun runs to the Tulip Festival. They were frequently singled out for recognition by various Albany mayors for their community spirit well into their 90s.
Always recognizable by her curly red hair, which eventually turned to silver, Lena was a beloved and lively friend to many, who loved to dance the tango with Herb, canoe with her grandchildren, and tend to her yard of fragrant roses that were the envy of the neighborhood. Although she slowed down in the past year, she was a marvel of energy, even at 97, who could pass for 20 years younger than her legal age until her departure. She is being laid to rest with Herbert at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery. Those wishing to express condolences may do so on the website for Levine Memorial Chapel at levinememorialchapel.com