Marlen Hennen's Obituary
If all the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players, God cast Marlen Niland Hennen in a leading role. She entered the world on January 26, 1942, and exited this stage after a valiant struggle against illness on August 21, 2009. When John and Edith Niland’s daughter was born in Kansas City, Missouri, they honored both their mothers-Marie and Ellen-by naming her Marlen. The family moved to Dallas in 1947, and Marlen attended St. Thomas Aquinas, Robert E. Lee, and Woodrow Wilson High School. Marlen’s high school years were marked by two life changing events. One, she met her future husband and lifetime love, Stephen Kent Hennen. Another, her father, an outgoing and successful salesman, suffered a debilitating stroke when she was 14. Her father’s illness forced Marlen to assume family responsibilities at a young age and helped her develop sensitivity to the suffering of others. Steve and Marlen were married on October 22, 1960, launching a life together that combined family and business. Christopher Kirk Hennen, the first of four sons, was born September 13, 1962, followed by twins Vincent Scott Hennen and Clinton Troy Hennen on December 12, 1963, and Kyle Eric Hennen on March 7, 1968. While raising their boys, Marlen and Steve worked as partners in Hennen Plumbing Contractors, a business started in Dallas by M. M. “Pop” Hennen in 1946. By the time she was appointed President in 1965, Marlen had learned how to function and thrive in a traditionally male trade. This savvy, self-made business woman found time for much more than plumbing. Her sons will remember boating and camping and their mom as Cub Scout Den Mother. St. Pius X parishioners will remember that she was a longstanding member of Circle 11 of the Ladies Society. The sick and elderly will remember her empathy and tenderness. Her friends will remember that no one could throw a Cowboy game party better than Marlen. All will remember a funny, strong, and capable woman who lived with an imaginative flair. Even in the last years, as her health problems compounded, Marlen remained above all thoughtful and considerate. Preceding her in death were her mother, Edith Marie Girard Niland, father John Francis Niland, father-in-law M. M. “Pop” Hennen, mother-in-law Blanche McClendon, and son Vince. She is survived by Steve, her husband of almost 49 years, her sons, Chris, Clint, and Kyle, and many beloved grandchildren and friends. The Rosary will be held at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at 7:00 PM, Tuesday August 25th. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 26th at St. Pius X Church, 3030 Gus Thomasson Road, Dallas, TX 75228 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any non-profit Hospice organization of your choice.
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