Birth date: Jun 6, 1929 Death date: Jun 16, 2023
June Marie Hendrick, age 94, was called to the Lord on the feast of the Sacred Heart, Friday, June 16, 2023. She died peacefully at home. She was a devout Catholic, a loving wife and mother, a faithful friend and a caregiver for s Read Obituary
In our visits to New Orleans to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, stopping at Mawmaw's and Pawpaw's was a must. Aunt June's and Uncle Russell's was a close second. The image I retain of those childhood visits is of a sort of storm within the Hendrick house, a storm of a large number of noisy happy children (us, our Hendrick cousins, and often many other cousins who visited at the same time) in the hallways, in the bedrooms, even hiding in the closets, and especially swirling around a kitchen, at the calm center of which was Aunt June. I'm sure she was often exhausted. She was always kind and generous.
In later life my family and I were privileged to share some calmer visits. When she and Uncle Russell along with Aunt Margie and Uncle Steve were doing a cross-country road trip, they passed through New York to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. Knowing I lived near New York City at the time, they invited me to join them there. We had a great time. We used to join Aunt June and Uncle Russell along with the other aunts and uncles (and Dad) during their autumn visit to the Villa Tavia chalet in the Smokies, a place with natural beauty on the outside and the beauty of loving family on the inside. I thought it was a little taste of Heaven to wake up to coffee with whatever other relative was also waking up to coffee at the same time. Aunt June and my youngest daughter, Therese, then barely more than a toddler, really hit it off. Therese would wander off to Aunt June's room, sit on her bed, and visit. Therese fell in love with a small pillow that Aunt June then generously gave her.
Her kindness and generosity touched us and two younger generations and left memories that will last as long as we do.
The Teresian Sisters were gifted by God with the friendship they shared with an extraordinary couple, who proved to us that having a loving and lasting marriage was possible. That's why one cannot talk about June, without mentioning Russell. We met them around 60 years ago, when their children were registered at St. Lawrence the Martyr. June and Russell were the ideal parents, present at their children's events, seeking for them to grow strong in their faith and their commitment to God. They were also generous with what they had, making some of our summer vacations in their Smokey Mountains chalet the best of our lives. June was always a kind, gentle and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, what we called a nurturer, a woman who trusted God in good and not so good times, a faithful friend, and a devoted Catholic. I will miss you, June. I will miss your smile whenever I went to visit you, your need to make life comfortable for others, and your love for us, your Teresian Sisters. We will always keep you in our hearts.
I first met Mrs. June when I was thirteen years old and I loved her from the first time we met. There are those who greatly impact our lives and Mrs. June was one of those people. She was kind, generous, and humble with a big heart. She had a kindred spirit and exemplified all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. She provided great wisdom and counsel to all her family and friends. Loving someone else is one of the most God-honoring things we can do. We are reminded in scripture (Romans 13:8-10) that all the commandments can be summed up and fulfilled if we just love one another. Mrs. June was God's true example of this commandment. I worked for Short Stop while I attended college and I remember on several occasions she would walk into the store and if the store was busy as it always was, she would just put on an apron and start working. She had this joyous and beautiful smile, living life to the fullest. I remember I needed a place to have my bridal photos taken and she so generously offered her beautiful home to have them taken. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer and we wanted to have a family vacation which would end up being our last trip with my mom, Mrs. June and Mr. Russel offered their beautiful chalet for us to stay in. We made beautiful memories there with my mom. I witnessed the love she gave to all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends over the years. With Mrs. June's health declining her beautiful spirit was never broken. Mrs. June had a profound and deep faith in God and an immense devotion to our Blessed Mother. When I visited her and Mr. Russel on several occasions we would pray the rosary and watch EWTN. I also loved hearing her stories. Mrs. June was the embodiment of unconditional love and acceptance to all her family and friends. She deeply touched my life and others. I will forever remember her sweet smile and as I reflect on her memory it will bring me joy. Mrs. June you will continue to live in my heart for you have taught me the kindness and love of a true child of God. I love you with all my heart and will miss you dearly. Rest in peace. You deserve it, you fought the good fight and finished the race. I rejoice and take great comfort in knowing that you are now soring with "Angel's wings" and resting in the presence of our Heavenly Father and Blessed Mother. I will be praying for all of you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Rosemary and Joe Calamari
I only met June on a few occasions, but it was in her later years. The Obituary is absolutely. A life well spent. She was truly blessed and a blessing to so many. I know that her family has suffered a great loss in her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God’s peace to all.
