Viola A. Henry

Viola A. Henry passed away peacefully at her lifelong home in Wallkill NY on April 17, 2025, the very home in which she was born on October 30, 1940. Her life was one of love, service, and deep devotion to family, community, and the many children and animals she cared for throughout the years. 

Viola worked for the Wallkill Central School District in both the library and the cafeteria, always bringing warmth and kindness to the students and staff alike. Later, she followed her heart and opened her own daycare, which she often described as one of her greatest joys. Over the years, she lovingly cared for more than 100 children, each one a cherished part of her extended family. 

A passionate animal lover, Viola also rescued countless cats and dogs, ensuring they found safe, loving homes. She was deeply involved in her community through 4H—sharing her talents in gardening, baking, sewing, and animal husbandry—and served as a Girl Scout troop leader for an incredible 40 years. 

Viola was also a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary in Modena and a dedicated congregant of the New Hurley Reformed Church where she taught Sunday school. 

She is predeceased by her parents, Ethel Sutton DePew and William DePew, as well as her siblings Mary, Stella, Wilda, Shirley, and William. 

Viola is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Charles Henry; her beloved children, Chuck, Sheila, and Brenda; her grandchildren Jennifer, Anthony, Luke, and Katie; and her great-grandson, Brayden. 

A graveside service will be held on April 29, 2025, at the New Hurley Reformed Cemetery at 1pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Backpack Ministry Program at Wallkill Reformed Church 45 Bridge Street Wallkill NY (wallkillreformed.org) that provides school supplies to students in need to start school in Viola’s memory

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