Worcester: Elaine W. (Lind) Henderson, 86, passed away at home on Saturday, August 6, 2016, surrounded by her loving family after a long period of declining health from cancer and COPD. She leaves her husband of 67 years, Kenneth C. Henderson; a son Joseph and his partner Joseph Mara of Northboro; a daughter Jean Blomquist and her husband Peter of Holden; 2 grandchildren Jaime Kach and her partner David Paul of Worcester and Jodie Duval and her husband Eric of Holden; 4 great-grandchildren Jace and Lacy Duval, Jack and James Kach; and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by 3 brothers William, Walter, and Warren Lind.
Elaine was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Oscar and Amy (Nordahl) Lind. She graduated from Commerce High School in 1940 and worked as a nursing assistant for various nursing homes. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Elaine’s agoraphobia limited her social experiences and kept her close to her home, living vicariously through the activities of others. She enjoyed reading, e-mailing, Facebook, “googling” and researching the internet to educate herself about everything and anything and then offering her opinion whether you were interested or not. She would often “fly over” the places she could not go with google earth for a first-hand look. Elaine delved into astrology and would often lend you guidance according to the stars and planets. Sitting in the sun in her glider swing listening to news and podcasts especially anything related to the current political climate was a favorite pastime. She had hoped to hang on long enough to see who the next president would be. Elaine was a generous, compassionate and non-judgmental woman who would easily befriend you. Most of all she looked forward to and enjoyed the visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they really provided a bright spot in her day.
The family would like to give special thanks to Elaine’s caretakers from Beacon Hospice for their compassion and devotion which went above and beyond, and her special friends Maryan and Lori for their love and support. Much gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Deborah Sullivan whose care, kindness, compassion and understanding exceeded any expectation, even dropping by with a bowl of Maine beach sand for Elaine to stick her feet in knowing a trip to the beach was not possible for her.
In accordance with Elaine's wishes, all services are private. Relatives may join the family for a calling hour Wednesday August 10th, at 10:00 am followed by a service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the All Faiths Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National MS Society of Greater New England, Waltham, MA or HMEA’s Autism Resource Center, West Boylston, MA.