Victoria Sarah Henry

Victoria was born on January 7, 1928 in the small farming town of Corsica, South Dakota. Her father passed at a young age and so the responsibility of helping to raise five siblings fell on her shoulders. A love of teaching took Victoria to the Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota where she earned an Associate of Arts degree; after which she taught in a one-room country school in Mitchell, South Dakota.

After meeting and marrying Joseph Patrick Henry, Jr., Victoria relocated to Southern California. With education still an important aspect in her life, Victoria earned a Bachelor’s Degree as part of the inaugural 49ers class at California State College in Long Beach and continued with a Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching from the California State College of Los Angeles. She taught at various elementary schools in Artesia, Norwalk, and Pomona. She spent the last twenty two years of her career with the Chino Unified School District before retiring in 1988.

Locally, Victoria was also active in her church: teaching Sunday school, directing vacation bible schools, serving as evangelism director, and leading children’s choir, missionary groups, home prayer groups, and singles groups after she was widowed in 1984.

In her community, Victoria participated as a Camp Fire Girls leader, Den Mother for Cub Scouts, worked with the United Fund, March of Dimes, and as a PTA president. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, writing poetry, playing card games with family and friends, and hosting numerous yard sales. She traveled to Europe and other destinations with her husband Joe, family members, and friends. Victoria worked hard, enjoyed life to its fullest, and passed at peace.

Victoria is survived by her daughter, SiverHawk WhiteSwan (Red Sun) of Colorado and son Dana Ray Henry (Julie) of Washington. She dedicated herself to her five grandchildren: Lynn Johnson, Van Strona (deceased), Jen Parga (Nathan), Amber Atcheson and Ieesha Rivera (Tony), as well as her eight great grandchildren: Lauren Badger, Hannah Johnson, Isaac Montoya, Samuel Sanchez, Dylan Rivera, Bianca Rivera, Ellie Victoria Parga, and Addison Parga. Victoria is survived by two siblings: Franklin J. Brenner (Cheri), and Marjorie O. Bertsch, and in passing joins her three brothers: Emery A. Brenner, Donald J. Brenner, and Alfred H. Brenner. There are also many nieces, nephews, and friends who shared life with Victoria; so many over the years!!!