Geraldine Henry's Obituary
Geraldine “Patti” Henry Patti, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on February 9, 2016. She was a quiet but powerful force in Richardson, Texas which had been her home for the past 47 years. Geraldine Downey on born on November 20, 1927, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Miller and Dora Kagen Downey. She was the 6th of 10 children. She grew up in Tulsa were she was an accomplished businesswoman in the geophysical industry. In 1968, she married J. E. “Yank” Henry of Richardson with whom she lived in the Canyon Creek area for 23 years until his death in 1991. Patti became an important member of the community adopting the University of Texas at Dallas as a cause before it became a four-year university, and was a committed fund raiser. Patti was the founder and past chairman of University Council at UT Dallas. She was a member of President’s Associates from its inception in 1982 and served on the Development Board for 25 years before becoming a life member in 2008. She served on the Development Board Executive Committee for 4 years and was the Vice Chair for two years. Patti received the Nelle Johnston Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the University in 1984, becoming the first award recipient following its inaugural year. She received the Nelle Johnston Award again in 1986 and served on the committee that helped establish the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Patti was a Gold Sponsor of the UT Dallas Scholarship Golf Tournament throughout its existence. As an attendee at the hospital opening in 1977, Patti became a tireless fundraiser and served on the Board of Trustees for the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation for 7 years. In 2013 the Foundation honored Patti with its Legacy Award which is given to an individual who has been tireless and loyal in support for hospital projects. To name just two, Patti’s dreams became reality in the Cardiology and Cancer Centers. She was also an active member of the Richardson Women’s Club and served as its president in 1987-1989. During her period of leadership, she initiated several of that organization’s most innovative philanthropic programs including the Arbor Fund, a commemorative tree planting program. She always looked forward to and participated in the annual Tour of Homes and Bazaar. A stylish dresser, she was an active golfer and former member of the Canyon Creek Country Club. She and Yank enjoyed People-to -People golf trips and freighter travel which took them to many distant parts of the globe. She held dear her Catholic faith and the Republican Party. She loved her large family, people in general, a glass of good wine, an occasional saucy story and stood at the center of a community of great friends. After Yank’s death, Patti was married for 12 years to John Pinch, also of Richardson, until his death in 2010. Without children of her own, she became a true mother to Yank’s sons Tuck and Roger. Patti was a loving, proud grandmom to Rue and Tuck’s girls, Carlyn and Channing, and wonderful great-grandmom to Gray and Teddy. In addition to them, Patti is survived by her brother Dan Downey of Tulsa, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Marcine Montgomery, and sisters Mildred Daniels, Jackie Martin, Dorothy Rohrbaugh, Helen Baker; brothers Darwin “Dude” Downey, Darrel Downey and Stormy Downey. If desired, please contribute memorials to her favorite charities: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson Woman’s Club and Richardson Methodist Medical Center. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 5:30- 7:30 PM at Restland Abbey Chapel, with recitation of the Rosary at 7:45 PM. Service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM at The All Saints Catholic Church. 5231 Meadowcreek Drive, Dallas, Texas 75248.
What’s your fondest memory of Geraldine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Geraldine?
Share a story where Geraldine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Geraldine you’ll never forget.
How did Geraldine make you smile?