Whitney Hendrickson Obituary

Whitney, obviously a lovely and gifted girl, is special to God. She must be one of the most beloved of the angels at this time.

The loss of our dear Whitney is unfathomable. From the first time we met you at age 4, you were something extremely special and the sister Spencer never had. From first sleepovers to first jobs, you were always together, playing, joking and growing into superior human beings who have and will change the world. We love and miss you every day.

David, Clelia, Wesley and Marina,

The memorial website for Whitney is so comforting to view. I know her birthday is coming up next week. I just wanted you to know that Whitney has given my family a renewed strength in hope and love to be the best we can be each and every day.
You are all in our thoughts.

"Even to be a lament on the lips of a loved one is glorious."

Dear Hendrickson Family,
On the day of Whitney's accident, I was returning from Manitou Springs and made a wrong turn going back to Colorado Springs. I came across the accident scene and was diverted. When I left my hotel the next morning, I picked up a paper and was crushed by news of the accident. I was visiting family in Colorado Springs at the time because, I too, lost my 17 year old son last summer in an accident. It soothes my soul to be with my family, and I visit them as often as I can, now, more than ever. My sympathy to you, and your whole family. If I could ever be of service, even just to talk from one grieving parent to another, please call on me. Very Respectfully.

You were such an amazing girl and I am so sad to see you go but it is your timing. I can't wait to see you dancing with Jesus. I love you and I miss you. You were such a great person and friend. I will never forget your smile and laughter! I'm sorry I couldn't be at your funeral. I love you.

I didn't know your family but ran across this story and followed the link to the memorial tribute on blogspot and I just wanted to say my heart was touched by her spirit just listening to her amazing story. My heart felt prayers go out to Whitney's family. I pray every ounce of God's mercy and grace pour down on you right now. God Bless!

Dear Friends:

Clelia and I express our deep thanks for your consoling words. There is a memorial tribute to Whitney at http://rememberingwhitney.blogspot.com/

Yours in sorrow,

To the Hendrickson family,
I didn't know your daughter or your family, I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your daughter. It has hurt my heart deeply. Anyone who has read about what happen to Whitney has to be affected in someway. She was a beautiful young lady who has touched so many lives. Remember all the wonderful times you have shared together she is now your angel and will watch over you. God bless your family during this very difficult time you are in my prayers.

Dear Hendrickson Family,
I didn't know your daughter or know your family, but as the mother of three, my heart breaks for the tragic loss of your daughter. There are no words that can express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. From what I have read, you daughter was a beautiful young woman who touched many lives and will be greatly missed. May the memories you have of her comfort you in the days ahead.

Dear Hendrickson Family,

As bereaved parents and siblings, we know the shock, grief and helplessness you are feeling. We are very sorry for the tragic loss of your beautiful daughter. You may not believe it but there will be days when you will smile and laugh again. In time, you will be able to remember all the good times you had with Whitney. We hope and pray your friends and family will stay by your side on your journey to that point.

Whitney was so loved by everyone at the castle and will always hold a special place in our hearts. She made such a mark in her short time in our lives - we miss her already.

Family and friends of Whitney:
Reading about Whitney has moved me very deeply and in many different ways. I think that it will continue to for a long time. I did not know Whitney, but it does not matter. She is all of us...every one of us humans on this earth. I wish I could do something to ease your pain. If only just a hug anytime you should ever feel the need for one. I would love to give it.

I always try to look at my life and consider whether I am living it well and if I am treating others well. Whitney's story will surely make me try even harder.

Good luck to you in the future and know that we all care about you and wish the best for you.

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

I was so very saddened by Whitney's passing. I know that the Lord was waiting with open arms for her. She must truly be an angel of the highest rank for all the beauty and grace she brought to this world. I truly wish I had known her better in all my years at Grace. I pray that God has wrapped you in His comfort at this so very difficult time. God bless you all...from a Grace "family" member.

Wes and Family,
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you during this time. Whitney was one of a kind, and was always brought us relief from our crazy IB days through with her big smile and fine sense of humor...she always had our classes laughing. She will be dearly missed. May God be with you. Whitney was a role model for all of us.

Dearest Hendrickson Family,
My husband is a police officer and we are the lucky parents of two daughters. I have only seen my husband cry a handful of times, and the day he heard of Whitney was one of those moments. Please accept our condolences at this time, as there are no words to express how much you are in our hearts.

Thank you for the beautiful memorial service for your daughter. I only knew her in death until she was brought to life for me at the memorial. Her death has scarred me, but through the beautiful service I am able to pull the beauty that was "Whitney" over those bad memories. I am so sorry for you loss! I pray that you will have a sure knowledge of the Lord's plan of salvation and know that you can see your beautiful Whitney again. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. May you feel His loving arms surround you!

I was so moved by this tragedy. Even from afar it has touched me greatly. My prayers are with you all.

I am so sorry for your loss. Im glad you were blessed with Whitney for as long as you were. Now you have a wonderful angel watching over you. You and your family are in my prayers.

March 22, 2009
Dear family & friends, I do not know you nor did I know Whitney. I have followed the story by news and word of mouth. I cannot express to you the way Whitneys death has impacted me. I am SO sorry for your loss and hope that her wonderful spirit gives all of you the strength to get through this hard time. I will continue to pray for your family and also Whitney; I'm sure she was and always will be a great and remembered person.

Dear Hendrickson family,

Thank you for giving the world such an amazing little lady. I am truly inspired by Whitney's beautiful spirit. My constant prayers and thoughts are with your family. Take comfort in knowing your little angel is near.

LeeAnn

I know life keeps going on as this tragedy has come to light, and I know life will continue to go on, but just know I will think of this little angel I never knew, and I'm am deeply saddened by these events. I will never forget this time in my life, but yet in a way I'm pleased to know I learned of someone so special, I look forward to meeting Whitney in heaven.

my heart goes out to the family of whitney , she was beatufull gift from god and treasure all the good memories that you had with her, my prayers are with you.

Dear Hendrickson family,
I attended the memorial service this afternoon representing my son Mason (Grinnell '10). He was in a class with Whitney last semester, and although he didn't know her well, he would have wanted to be there today. He is currently touring Colorado with the Grinnell Singers, and won't be back in town until Saturday night. Ironically they were performing an evening concert here at a local church on the day this tragic event claimed Whitney's life. We members of the Grinnell family share your grief and wish you the best. May you find peace in knowing the lasting legacy Whitney obviously left with so many.

Dear Hendrickson family, Miss Podair, and Whitney's friends, I was deeply saddened by Whitney's tragic passing. After reading about what she was like in life, I found myself grieving for this sweet young woman I never had the good fortune to know. But all of you did have that good fortune, just as she did to know all of you, and share your love and friendship. What a priceless treasure to keep in your hearts! Any words I have could not adequately express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Please know that you do not grieve alone, and that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that day by day, the tears will be replaced by smiles and laughter as you remember Whitney. May God bless you and keep you...

I live in Colorado Springs, and I was so sorry to hear of the accident. I am a mother of two daughters, and I can't imagine what you are all going through right now. Whitney's obituary was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful young lady. You must be very proud of the person she was. Please accept my condolences, and please know that people throughout Colorado Springs share your grief. God bless you all!

Your memorial today to Whitney was a beautiful tribute. Her friends and family have honored her and showed why she was so special and loved by so many. I will always remember this day and all of you who so bravely shared the spirit of this lovely young woman.
Our family is with you,
Mary J. Baker, Mara Baker and Malia Baker

I'm a mother of four children & i can't imagine what your going through. This tragity has touched many lives in a way that we should never take life for granted. Whitney will always be in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. I don't even know this bright, beautifull intelligent woman. Yet, from the stories I herd anyone who knew Whitney... were very lucky to share their lives with her. Some of us may not know her but we all feel like we do. Therefore, we'll always remember her. God Bless this precious family!

Dear parents of Whitney,
We live in Florida and we do not know you, but we are grieving also. Our daughter Steffanie was there that day and has told us over and over of her intense feelings of grief for your precious Whitney. Please remember that she is with the Lord, and the Lord is with us, so she is not far away.
Sincerely, the Shanahans

All my prayers are with you! I couldnt even imagine what your going through, im so sorry!

May God Bless you all during this unimaginable time. I did not know Whitney but have a 20 year old daughter myself and can't even imagine the pain you must feel. Just know that God picked an absolutely gorgous flower for his garden. R.I.P Whitney Hendrickson. A Colorado Mom,daughter,niece,grandaughter whose heart aches for each and everyone involved from this horrific accident.

My heart goes out to your family.
No words can be spoken that will ease the pain
No tears shed will be in vain
Time will heal but the hurt remains
Whitney is an Angel now, no earthly chains
Peace will come to those left behind
The impact of her life, she was truly kind
Cherish the memories, hold them dear
Never will they disappear

Dear, dear Clelia and family. May the Lord comfort you in this time of enormous loss. Our prayers are with all of you, and we lift you up to Him who grants that peace which passes understanding. All our love, Larry and Shelley Hitt

As a parent it is so surreal to lose your child. We are not supposed to bury our children. I not only imagine the heartache you are feeling, but know firsthand your grief. My heart goes out to you as no parent should have to travel this road. My deepest condolences to your whole family.

I feel honored to have met Whitney. I will always remember this beautiful girl with her bright smile. She was a sweet and gentle person. A light has gone out in this world. My heart is breaking for your loss. I hope that you find peace and solace in your memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.

Clelia, David, Wes, and Marina,
Whitney is loved by our family and especially Holly, whom Whitney (and Wes) looked out for during her time at Palmer. We are very grateful to have known first hand Whitney's compassion for all living things, her passion for life and for her family, her smile and intelligent humor. We love you Whitney. The memory of your quick sweet smile will always be in our hearts. Holly, Rachel, Miles, and Julie Hatton

Our prayers go with you and your family.

I did not know Whitney, but used to live in Colorado Springs and read the paper daily. This touched my heart so. I am also a twin. I cannot express the sadness I feel for your family. How quickly our loved ones can be taken from us but I'm sure it's a comfort to know you loved her as if there were no tomorrow and I'll just bet she knew that. Please accept my condolences.
Julie Hamers
Mandeville, LA

Clelia and Family - There are just no proper words for such an unimaginable loss. Please know we have had you and your family in our constant prayers and thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about you - so know we are praying for you constantly.

To the Family and Friends of Whitney Hendrickson. May your heart and souls rest in peace knowing your lovely daughter/sister/friend is in the arms of God. This is truly a tragedy. No parent should ever have to bury a child. The tears we shed are for you and your family. Please know that many hearts go out to you during this time of grief. With Our Deepest Sympathy

May God wrap you up in His arms and give you peace and comfort during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family.

God Bless and be with The family and friends Of Whitney - Rest In Peace young Angel.

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

The McAfee Family

As a mother, sister, granddaughter...my heart aches for you all. I cannot imagine the pain you feel from a life taken so tragically, so soon. I know that her memory will forever live on and that the short time she walked this earth will forever impact countless lives. You are forever in the hearts of our community.

David & Family - My heart just breaks for you. I remember the day your Dad came to work talking about the twins being born. Whitney has touched so many, many people. She is truly a role model for others. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers.

In memory of your stay in our family, we always keep a place for you, your smile and your humour in our heart. Our thoughts turn towards you and your family.
With a lot of love.

Your French Family.
TISSIER Pierre, Marie, Patou and Alain

My thoughts and prayers are with each of you, Rhea Ann

May your hearts be comforted.
---A stranger who has lost a daughter, too.

My heart goes out to the entire family. I pray that God will will give you strenghth and comfort.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We didnt know your daughter but she sounded like one beautiful person inside and out. God Bless

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. Yvonne Serna and family.

Clelia and David: My heart bleeds for both of you, and for your family. I can not imagine such a tragic loss, and can only shed my tears with yours. May God wrap you up in His arms and give you peace and comfort. ~Michelle

Clelia, David and family, I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful daughter. May God surround you with Angels and may you find peace. My prayers are with you.

R.I.P. Whitney Hendrickson, from a member of the Fire Dept.