Mary Carlene Henderson ,74

Mary Carlene Henderson, 74, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, went to be with the Lord and her son, Patrick O'Connor, surrounded by family at the Schneidmiller Hospice House on June 9, 2022. “Grateful Mary” as she was often called, was born March 30, 1948, in St. Paul, Minn., to parents Alma Mead and Floyd Bannister.

Mary spent many years seeking higher education. She earned a master's degree in both nursing and health administration. She spent her nursing career as a dialysis nurse. She worked in many states as a traveling dialysis nurse, caring for patients there as well as on various cruise lines traveling around the world.

Mary and her husband, Bill, loved traveling together. Their favorite spots were a houseboat on Lake Powell or a condo in Kona on the island of Hawaii. They shared this love with many friends and family.

It goes without saying that Mary loved cats, cats and more cats. She just couldn't turn down a cat in need. There are six furballs who will miss their mom.

Mary was a fun-loving woman, in recovery, who lived her life to the fullest. She shared her joy and sense of adventure with many women over the years. Many of whom would say, “Mary saved my life."

Mary is survived by her husband, Bill Henderson, and her other son, Michael O'Connor, and his partner, Heather Vanderkooi, along with daughter-in-law Anita Adkinson and granddaughter Jori Adkinson and grandson Jordon Adkinson.

In lieu of flowers, Mary's family asks that donations be made to the Schneidmiller Hospice House or the Kootenai Humane Society in her memory.

Per Mary's request, a celebration of life barbecue will be held Aug, 13 2022, at 4 p.m. at the home of Terri and Bill Batdorf.