- Date Of Birth: January 13, 1938
- Date Of Death: February 28, 2012
- State: Idaho
Dorothy Ann Henson, 74, of Boise passed away February 28, 2012 at her home. Ann was born January 13, 1938 in South Bend, Indiana to Merle and Beare Philipson. She grew up in the shadow of the Golden Dome in South Bend. She was the oldest of two children. Her brother was Beare “Brub” Philipson, Jr.
Ann graduated from high school and went on to attend Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She came back to Indiana to complete her studies and obtain her teaching certificate at Butler University. Ann was married to Tom Henson in the summer of 1958 just before he entered Medical School in Indianapolis. It was there that they had their first son, Doug, in 1962. Ann taught English, Reading and Social Studies at various grade levels throughout her career. After Tom’s medical training, they moved around a bit making stops in Bethesda, Maryland, Guam, then on to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where they had their youngest son, Scott. They spent a year in Orange County, California before moving to Boise in the winter of 1972. They divorced in 1984.
Ann then resumed her teaching career. She had a long and successful tenure teaching at North Junior High. Ann had the opportunity to touch and positively impact so many lives and she was extremely rewarded in this profession. When Scott went to the University of Notre Dame, she was more than just a little tickled. We are pretty sure she never missed a televised Notre Dame Football game. Trips to South Bend were so cherished by Ann as it gave her a chance to catch up with the rest of her family also. While at North Junior High, she met, fell in love with and became the longtime companion of a wonderful gentleman, Fred Vargas. They were together until his death in 2007.
In her younger days Ann enjoyed golfing and was an avid photographer. She did professional quality photography and had her own darkroom at home. Ann was also heavily involved in Doug and Scott’s sports and activities. She was their number one fan. Ann had a voracious appetite for literature, whether it was the classics, historical novels, or a good thriller. After Ann’s retirement from teaching she enjoyed traveling with her close friend, Marilyn.
Ann was so proud of her sons who both ultimately pursued careers as healthcare professionals. Doug is a nurse living in Ephrata, Washington with his wife Terri. Scott, his wife, Bridget, and their three children, Callum, Sam and Maeghan live in Boise where Scott is a General Surgeon.
In the twilight of Ann’s life she was slowed by some health issues but was buoyed by the gift of these wonderful grandchildren. She deeply treasured family get togethers with Bridget’s extended family. Her kindness and generosity were so bountiful that the rest of the Reilly clan of grandchildren also considered her their Grandma Ann.
Also in her later years, Ann felt something was missing from her life. She had a deep faith, though was not raised in a very religious family. So she decided to go through the process of becoming Catholic. We believe she was at peace knowing that her time on earth was finite and that through death comes eternal life.
We love you ! Rest in Peace.
Ann is survived by her son, Doug and his wife, Terri of Ephrata, Washington; her son, Scott and his wife, Bridget and their children, Callum, Sam, and Maeghan; and, of course, her dog, Bear. She was preceded in death by her parents; Merle and Beare Philipson; her brother, Beare “Brub” Philipson, Jr. and his wife, Sherri.
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