January 27, 1933 - January 25, 2019
Henrietta Dorothy Louise (Jensen) Peterson "Hank" was born on January 27, 1933, the oldest of Carl and Leona Jensen's eight children. She grew up on a farm east of Trochu. Henrietta attended school at Alderside and Pontmain in Trochu. While at Pontmain , she boarded with the Sisters of Charity during the school week returning home for weekends. She graduated in 1951 at the top of her class, finishing school with a wedding on her mind.
Henrietta met "Chick" (Albert) at a hockey game in Trochu. Marrying three years later, on July 21, 1951. They moved to the Peterson farm 7 miles SW of Trochu working with Albert's father, Gust, with dreams of moving to Sundre and buying their own place. Two years later in 1953, Gust died, and they decided to stay and farm with Magda, his mother, eventually buying the farm in 1968. Albert and Henrietta had a mixed farm which kept them busy with gardening, raising pigs, chickens, turkeys, milk cows and grain farming. To supplement the farm income, Albert and Henrietta created Albert Peterson Auto Body in the old Turtle school building located on the farm. Hank was also employed as the bookkeeper/receptionist in the expanded autobody shop in Trochu.
Henrietta always wanted to have 12 children and almost did with a string of 11 children 8 boys and three girls - 5 of them a year or less apart!
1952- Lyle (Wanda Nelson) Stephen, Christine (Clay Colvin)
1954- Mike (Pat Swanson) Christopher (Kate Forest), Kelsey (Derek Sweet)
1957- Brian (Colleen Grondin) Bryce (Arica McIntyre), Adelle (Fred McIntyre)
1958- Tim (Lara O'Donnel) Ella, Adam
1959- Donna (Lonnie McCook) Dustin (Brittany Meding), Danielle (Kyle Tolmen)
1960- Bev (Brian Meding) Blake (Katie Meehan) Erin (Shayne Ouellette) Scott (Jaime Toews)
1961- Rick (Tracy Squires) Georgia, Jocelyn
1964- Bob
1966- Joanne
1967- Jim (Melanie Floss) Brendan
1968- Donald (deceased)
Henrietta also considered nephew Carl her 9th son
Their home was always a hub of activity, with kids, friends, neighbors, or a travelling salesman, who liked to make their stop at the body shop right at mealtime, knowing they were sure to be invited to stay. You may have been greeted with "Hello", but "Are you Hungry?" quickly followed.
Mom's door and caring heart were always open to extra kids, whether they stayed a few days or many months. Even though our home was full, there was always room for more!
Over the years Henrietta was involved with the Arboretum, CWL, Church Choir, Trochu Swim Club, Cubs and Scouts, and St Mary's Hospital. She also taught cooking courses and was always a hands on volunteer. Mom said she had driven enough miles taking kids to all their activities to make a trip around the world! Henrietta was a devoted volunteer and was recognized as the "Volunteer of the Year".
Mom was very creative in all she did, from cooking to art. She was talented and a quick learner, an avid reader with a sharp mind and an uncanny ability to remember facts and dates, a resource we will all miss dearly.
Mom loved to bake and cook..."Henrietta's Fried Chicken", "Arboretum Rhubarb Cake", "Christmas Cakes and Baking" were all favorites.
Henrietta's attitude of give more not less always resulted in a great pot luck, or a profitable bake sale. Although she lost part of her vision, it never stopped her from continuing to donate and volunteer.
After Chick died in 1998, mom lived on the farm for 10 years before moving to her own house in Trochu, were she lived until her passing from a stroke on January 25, 2019. Henrietta is survived by 10 children, 5 daughter-in-law's, 2 son-in-law's, 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, sisters Eileen (Jack Debeaudrap), Rita (Gary Brophy), Phyllis (Marshal Kimpton), Mary Glenn (Jim Guard) and sisters in law Norma, and Debbie and numerous nephews and nieces.
Predeceased by her husband Albert, infant son Donald, Grandson Adam, brothers Frank, Allen, Murray, and sister-in-law Mona.
Henrietta, Hank, Hen, MOM, Grandma Chicken, you will be missed dearly.
Funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Anne of the Prairies Catholic Church, Trochu, Alberta.
Memorial donations may made be to Trochu Arboretum or Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetltd.ca
Service Details
11:00 AM