Delores Henry

Madison – Delores Katherine Henry (Giovanine), age 91, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2021 at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Dee” as she was known, or “Sis” to her family, was born in Spring Valley, Illinois on Aug. 6, 1930 to Johanna and Angelo Giovanine. She was raised in an Italian and Catholic home. Dee was the captain of her high school basketball team, a cheerleader, and baton twirler. After high school, she attended and graduated from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Il. and began her lifelong and beloved career of teaching elementary school children.

On June 15, 1968, Dee married Patrick Joseph Henry in New York, NY. Their daughter Shannon Henry Kleiber was born in New York in 1969. Into her 70s, Dee taught many grades in the Catholic schools wherever the family lived - in New York, Ohio, Maryland and New Jersey. Her favorite grade was first grade, because it’s when so many children first learn to read.

In retirement, Dee discovered yoga, which she practiced into her 80s. She loved choosing books and clothes for her two granddaughters and watching them perform in music, dance and sports activities. She had a great sweet tooth and enjoyed ice cream and pie particularly, and was an active member of her church.

Dee is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Patrick Joseph Henry of Madison, her daughter Shannon Henry Kleiber (Benjamin) of Madison, her granddaughters Eve and Julia, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Giovanine, Brothers-and Sisters-in-law James and Jean Henry, Stan and Joanne Lechwar, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Norman, Gerald “Chips” Giovanine and John, as well as her parents Angelo and Johanna (Leonard) Giovanine.

Dee’s family expresses deep thanks to Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge memory care, and Agrace Hospice, for compassionate care, prayers, and music, especially in her last days.

A private family celebration will take place at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Cemetery in Sun Prairie, officiated by Msgr. Donn Heiar of St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church. Memorials may be gifted in the name of Delores K. Henry to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin https://www.alzwisc.org/ which was so helpful to our family.