Mary Jane Henderson, 89, of Delhi, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 following a brief illness. Mary Jane was born in Amsterdam, N.Y. on Dec. 7, 1931 to Stoddard and Minnie (Minkler) Reichel. She graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam in 1950. She attended Oneonta State Teachers College, graduating in 1954. She began her teaching career at the Scotia Glenville school system, teaching there for two years. On June 30, 1956 she married Verne Henderson. He predeceased her on Dec. 5, 2008.
Mary Jane spent 25 years teaching kindergarten at Delaware Academy in Delhi before retiring in 1992. Even in her retirement she was still active in teaching, participating for several years in events held at the Delaware County Historical Association (DCHA) for elementary students. These events were a highlight for her as she loved to share history with anyone, especially children. She was a member of the Delhi Historical Association, DCHA, the Beta Omicron Society and served several years on the Cannon Free Library Board.
She authored and co-authored several books. In recent years her books were projects to raise money for various organizations that she supported. When writing these books, no one was safe from her investigations or questions. She was relentless in her quest for information, asking anyone she came across if they could help her. Every outing was an adventure! She appreciated all of the community support for her projects.
Mrs. Henderson loved being a part of a small town and loved to support the town she came to call home. She often said how blessed she was to be surrounded with such great family and friends.
Mary Jane kept herself busy with her book projects, autograph album collection, playing bridge with her friends and spending time with her family. She enjoyed reading and had a love for nature and an overall enthusiasm for life. She believed it was never too late to learn new things.
She is survived by her children Lisa (Tom) Steen of Rochester and Todd (Lisa) Henderson of Delhi, grandchildren Keri Steen, Greg (Gina) Steen and great-granddaughter Lyla Steen all of Rochester, sister Lillian Kanches of Fort Johnson and several nieces and nephews.
Per Mary Jane’s wishes a private graveside service will be held in the spring. When regulations allow, the family will hold a celebration of life reception for family and friends.
Donations in memory of Mary Jane may be made to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753, The Delaware County Historical Association, 46549 State Highway 10, Delhi, NY 13753 or the Delhi Historical Association, 5 Elm Street, Delhi, NY 13753.
Visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Henderson family.
