Obituary for Madison "Maddie" Marie Henry
Madison Marie Henry, age 14, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by the love of her family after a long and courageous illness.
She was a beautiful and happy baby from the moment she entered the world on March 26, 2008 in Cumberland, Maryland, and forever changed the lives of her loving parents, Robert and Kate (Grant) Henry. Shortly after her birth, Maddie began experiencing health difficulties that resulted in a lifelong battle with Cerebral Palsy. After several extended stints at John Hopkins Hospital, it was clear that Maddie had a fighting spirit and would work hard to share her love and kindness with the world around her.
In 2014, the Henry family relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan where she would go to school and create strong friendships. Throughout Maddie’s life, she experienced several health difficulties and painful surgeries- none of which changed her fighting spirit or joyful outlook. She had the unique ability to smile so big and bright that the room around her would glow.
While Maddie was non-verbal, there were moments in each day that brought her endless amounts of joy and happiness. While listening to music, especially Taylor Swift, Maddie’s beautiful, huge smile would show and a special light in her eyes would appear. She would share her laugh during all of the humorous moments while watching Shrek on an almost every day basis. Anything in the color purple would bring her a sense of calm and peacefulness. However, it was simply being around her family and loved ones where she was the happiest. Whether it was with her dog, Lexi, taking a nap on her lap, her sister, Natalie, reading a book aloud, or sharing a special moment with her parents, Maddie knew exactly how to show her love and warmth with those around her.
Maddie will forever be remembered and missed by her parents, Robert and Kate Henry; her proud sister, Natalie Henry; her maternal grandparents, Linda (Joseph) Neely and Thomas Grant’ her paternal grandparents, Cindy (George) Pellegrino; and her loyal and loving mini golden-doodle puppy, Lexi. She will also be missed by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family friends.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Robert Henry, Sr.
The Henry family will host a Celebration of Maddie’s Life in the future where friends and family can gather to remember her courageous and brave fight for life.
In lieu of flowers, please extend an act of kindness to a stranger, family member, or friend in need and while doing so think of Maddie’s beautiful smile. She would be so happy to know you thought of her at that moment.
Always remember to keep your spirit brave, your smile big, and maintain a positive outlook on the challenges ahead- just as Maddie has shown us.
She was a beautiful and happy baby from the moment she entered the world on March 26, 2008 in Cumberland, Maryland, and forever changed the lives of her loving parents, Robert and Kate (Grant) Henry. Shortly after her birth, Maddie began experiencing health difficulties that resulted in a lifelong battle with Cerebral Palsy. After several extended stints at John Hopkins Hospital, it was clear that Maddie had a fighting spirit and would work hard to share her love and kindness with the world around her.
In 2014, the Henry family relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan where she would go to school and create strong friendships. Throughout Maddie’s life, she experienced several health difficulties and painful surgeries- none of which changed her fighting spirit or joyful outlook. She had the unique ability to smile so big and bright that the room around her would glow.
While Maddie was non-verbal, there were moments in each day that brought her endless amounts of joy and happiness. While listening to music, especially Taylor Swift, Maddie’s beautiful, huge smile would show and a special light in her eyes would appear. She would share her laugh during all of the humorous moments while watching Shrek on an almost every day basis. Anything in the color purple would bring her a sense of calm and peacefulness. However, it was simply being around her family and loved ones where she was the happiest. Whether it was with her dog, Lexi, taking a nap on her lap, her sister, Natalie, reading a book aloud, or sharing a special moment with her parents, Maddie knew exactly how to show her love and warmth with those around her.
Maddie will forever be remembered and missed by her parents, Robert and Kate Henry; her proud sister, Natalie Henry; her maternal grandparents, Linda (Joseph) Neely and Thomas Grant’ her paternal grandparents, Cindy (George) Pellegrino; and her loyal and loving mini golden-doodle puppy, Lexi. She will also be missed by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family friends.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Robert Henry, Sr.
The Henry family will host a Celebration of Maddie’s Life in the future where friends and family can gather to remember her courageous and brave fight for life.
In lieu of flowers, please extend an act of kindness to a stranger, family member, or friend in need and while doing so think of Maddie’s beautiful smile. She would be so happy to know you thought of her at that moment.
Always remember to keep your spirit brave, your smile big, and maintain a positive outlook on the challenges ahead- just as Maddie has shown us.