BEVERLY HILLS, Fla. – Claire W. Henderson, 89, wife of the late Edward A. Henderson, died peacefully Tuesday, March 24, 2009, surrounded by her loved ones at her home. She was born Aug. 20, 1919, in Garfield Plantation, daughter of Ralph R. and Helen (Weeks) Tilley. She was educated in Garfield and Ashland schools, and graduated from Ricker Classical Institute and Colby College. She and Ed raised their family in Trenton, N.J., and Cromwell, Conn. In those years Claire was a substitute teacher, as well as a homemaker. She was known and loved for her craftsmanship in the fiber arts, quilting, braided rugs, knitting and most notably crocheting, all in prodigious numbers. She greatly enjoyed the game of bridge. For 30 years of their retirement, Claire and Ed were summer residents of Garfield Plantation, where they lovingly restored the Tilley farm, where she was born. In addition to her parents and husband, Claire was predeceased by her sister, Jean MacKay. She is survived by her daughters, Anne and her husband, Robert Franklin, of Higganum, Conn., and Mary Claire and Joseph Falco of Beverly Hills, Fla.; three grandchildren, Demian Falco of Middletown, Conn., Charles Franklin of Auburn and Amy Hubler of Andover, Mass.; four great-grandchildren; a niece and three nephews, most especially Grant MacKay and his wife, Jane of Inglis, Fla., and Millinocket. There will be no services and interment will be at Ashland Municipal Cemetery, Ashland, at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008. Claire asked that you shake the hand of a friend and smile at a stranger. Arrangements under the direction of Fero Funeral Home, Beverly Hills, Fla.
CLAIRE W. HENDERSON
