No headline

Susan ‘Susie’ Shand Henry, 75

Susan “Susie” Shand Henry, of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away Jan. 3, 2018, at Schneidmiller Hospice House, surrounded by her family. Susan was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on Nov. 13, 1942 to Norma (Ralston) and Hugh Tait. As a child, Susan moved with her parents and sister, Cathy, to Woodstock, N.B., where she attended elementary and middle school. Susan graduated high school from the Edgewood Collegiate Academy in Windsor, Nova Scotia. She graduated Junior College at Carleton County Vocational School in Woodstock.

Susan met Isaac (Danny) Henry in 1967 in Denmark, while she was traveling abroad on a European tour with friends, and he was stationed with the Air Force in England. When he returned to North America, Danny’s first stop was to Woodstock. They later married in Woodstock, N.B., Canada, in September 1968. After marriage, she lived all over the U.S. including Virginia, Alabama, Washington state and finally settling in Coeur d’ Alene in 1982, where she lived until recently moving North to Rathdrum, Idaho.

Susan was a member of the Zion Baptist church of Rathdrum. In addition to raising her four children, she enjoyed traveling, reading, collecting all things old and new, visiting Saint John with her sisters, but most of all, her children and grandchildren were her passion. These were her true passion — her eyes would light up when any one of them came to visit her.

Susie had a kindness and a warmth that is rare. She would express her opinion gently, assertively when needed, but never aggressively. She was thoughtful and affectionate, always remembering birthdays and special occasions. Even when away or unreachable, she would always find a way to send her love and regards through the family network. She had the best sense of humor. She was always smiling and laughing. She had a peaceful, yet powerful presence in our family. Susie was loved by all that came in contact with her, especially her family, who she always made sure knew that, “Jesus loves you most of all.” She will remain in our hearts forever.

Susan is survived by her husband of 49 years, Isaac (Danny) Henry; four children, Matthew (April) of Post Falls, Sarah (Mike Kestler) of Boise, Stephen (Alecks) of Coeur d’Alene and Stuart of Tracy, Calif; grandchildren, Marcus, Shandra, Lydia, Hannah, Jeremiah, John Curtis, Jayden, Annabelle, Alexander and Kendra. She is also survived by her younger siblings, Cathy (Harold Simister) of Woodstock, N.B., Hugh Tait of Victoria, B.C., Jonathan Tait (Ann) of Woodstock, N.B., Janice (David King) of Woodstock, N.B. and Jeff Tait (Beth) of Woodstock, N.B., and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Susan was predeceased by her parents.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 at Zions Baptist Church in Post Falls. Bell Tower Funeral home will be handling funeral arrangements.