Marie Henion

Marie was a strong, thrifty woman who didn’t take much of the earth that she didn’t need. She centered herself around her faith and her family, always making sure the people she loved knew just how much joy they brought to her life.

In the first years of the twentieth century, many major events were making news. The ocean liner RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic, sending over 1,500 people to their deaths. In Russia, a Communist revolution led to the assassination of Emperor Nicholas II and his entire family, including his now legendary daughter, Anastasia. Meanwhile, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary ignited the fire that became World War I. It was in the midst of this turbulent time that John and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Adriaensen were beginning their married lives together on a farm in Scottville, Michigan. Their first child, Marie Ann, became part of their growing family on March 24, 1913.

As the oldest of four children, Marie grew up taking care of all the household duties. The family farm on S. Scottville Road offered an endless source of work. Cleaning and laundry were not easy tasks at a time when washing machines and hot water heaters did not exist to make life easier. Marie was usually in charge of keeping the household fire stoked, as well as helping her mother prepare the daily meals. Though Marie didn’t mind the hard work, she naturally like some tasks better than others. Being asked to work on some embroidery, for instance, was always a pleasure.

In addition to being a hardworking member of the Adriaensen household, Marie was also a student at Wiley School. Though she only attended school through the 7th grade, Marie ended up meeting her future husband, a man named Raymond Henion. Since Marie and Raymond’s families were neighbors, they were able to spend a lot of time getting to know each other. Their dates were usually simple nights of talking or family dinners. Raymond was able to treat Marie to a movie in town on special occasions, but the Great Depression meant that money was scarce. Both he and Marie learned to enjoy themselves while being frugal and resourceful, and it was a lesson they would carry with them for the rest of their lives. They married on October 22, 1935 at Marie’s home church, St. Jerome.

After becoming man and wife, Raymond and Marie took a honeymoon trip to Battle Creek, Michigan. It turned out to be one of the few times Marie ever left Mason County, for she thoroughly enjoyed being at home. Their farmhouse on W. Hawley Road was a place she and Raymond both felt comfortable. Since they had both grown up on farms, they both knew the rhythm well. While Raymond worked the fields and tended to the dairy cows, Marie took charge of the entire household. Having grown up during the Depression, Marie made clothing last and last, repairing it until there was nothing more than bare threads to work with. She also learned how to make all sorts of delicious meals from potatoes since, especially during the Depression, they were cheap and plentiful. Her scalloped potatoes were to not to be missed. They usually made an appearance at one of the yearly family gatherings, as did Marie’s delicious apple and mincemeat pies. Having cooked since childhood, Marie had learned a thing or two about how to put together meals. And of course she canned her own fruits and vegetables so she could use them in her recipes all year long. Marie’s favorite time of year was the holiday season because it was then that she could cook for her entire family and enjoy the warmth of their company.

Marie’s children and grandchildren couldn’t help but know how much she loved them. Though Marie was strict, she expressed herself in a very loving way. Her grandchildren loved visiting the farm and swimming in the creek that ran beside the house. Marie never let them get away with mischief, but she certainly encouraged them to enjoy themselves and all the simple pleasures in life. For Marie, these pleasures included her family of course, but also its dogs, cats, and birds. Marie didn’t have any house pets of her own, but she like putting food out for them and having them in her company. After Raymond’s death on June 13, 1995, Marie moved in with her son and his wife, who worked as an animal groomer. Being surrounded by many animals was a constant source of comfort and joy.

Though she was a very private person, Marie was deeply devoted to both her faith and her family. She will always be remembered for the love and support she offered to all those who were blessed to know her.

Marie Ann Henion died on Friday morning, January 7, 2005 at Ludington Woods Living Center. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her parents, and her infant sister Frances. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons Robert (Cora), and Bernard (Phyllis) Henion all of Ludington, her daughter JoAnn (George) Dornbos of Muskegon, her six grandchildren Timothy John (Barbara) Henion of Ludington, Bobbie Henion-Green of Nashville, TN, James Henion of Marquette, Thomas Henion, and Daniel Henion both of Norton Shores, and Gary (Carrie) Henion of Scottville, six great-grandchildren, and her sisters Clara Malburg and Louise LeLugas both of Scottville.

Friends may meet with Marie’s family for a time of visitation on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. at the Stephens Life Story Funeral Home™ - Scottville. The Rosary will be prayed for Marie on Sunday at 3 p.m. A Life Story Service will be held for Marie at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 10 at the same location, with Rev. Kenneth Schichtel officiating. Burial will take place at Center Riverton Cemetery in the spring. Please visit Marie’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory with her family or leave a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan - Mason County.