Ann Henning Obituary

Ann M. Henning, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, in Smyrna, Delaware, at the age of 81. Born on August 4, 1944, in Audubon, New Jersey, Ann was a beacon of love and generosity, touching the hearts of all who knew her.

Ann dedicated her life to her family and her community. She married the love of her life, Gerald Henning who she was married to for 60 years, and together they nurtured a loving home. Ann was a proud mother to her son Eric and his fiancé Marylynn Blong, and she adored her grandson Connor Henning. Her unwavering love and guidance shaped their lives profoundly. Ann was also a beloved sister to George and his wife Libby Hughes, a caring aunt to her nephews Steven Hughes and Bobby Hughes (deceased), and niece Cindi Whitaker, and a godmother to Jaime Cushman. She held a special place in the hearts of sister in-law and brother in-law Linda and Jim Rusin.

Ann graduated from Audubon High School and went on to become a Certified Dental Assistant, a career she devotedly pursued for twenty years. Her work ethic, kindness, and skill made her an indispensable member of her professional community. Outside of her career, Ann was actively involved in her local community. She was an esteemed member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Dover, Delaware, and she proudly served as the first president of the Duck Creek Regional Library in Smyrna. Ann's vision and efforts were instrumental in building the new public library, a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Her Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and her interactions with others. She lived by the principle, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," a sentiment that is echoed in the Gospel of Matthew. Ann's life was a testament to this Golden Rule; she treated everyone with kindness, respect, and generosity.

Ann's interests were a reflection of her vibrant spirit and her love for sharing her talents with others. She found joy in teaching ceramics, inspiring creativity in her students and spreading the delight of crafting beautiful pieces. An avid boater, she cherished the serenity of being on the water. The fellowship and camaraderie found at the Masonic social gatherings at Harmony Lodge 13 were also a source of great pleasure for her.

Those who knew Ann will remember her as a loving, generous, and selfless soul. She gave her time and resources without ever seeking recognition, always putting the needs of others before her own. Ann's absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

As we say goodbye to Ann, we celebrate her life and the immeasurable impact she had on her family and community. She was a living example of the best humanity offers – a genuine person of integrity, compassion, and love. As the poet Emily Dickinson wrote, "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." Ann's love remains with us, an undying presence that comforts and guides.

We take solace in knowing that Ann now rests in eternal peace, her life a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of grace, warmth, and unwavering faith. She will be dearly missed, yet forever cherished in the hearts of those she leaves behind.