Obituary of Nina Henry

Henry, Nina M. 92 of Cedar Park, TX (formerly of Totowa, NJ and Port Orange, FL) peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, February 23, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Nina was born in Hawthorne, NJ on March 23, 1927 to Rose (nee Zisa) and Joseph Criscenzo. Nina is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Edward J. Henry Jr., whom she met while working at the Fanny Farmer Candy Store. She was introduced to Edward, a US Marine who was on leave during wartime when he stopped in to buy candy for his mother on Mother`s Day. They had previously met in the sixth grade and were so happy to be reacquainted. By the time he got back to base, she had already written to him. For two more years the love letters continued while Edward was still in the service. Nina went on to become a Cadet Nurse Graduate of the Jersey City Medical Center. Becoming a nurse was her way to serve, and she continued throughout her life doing just that. Soon after, in 1948 they were married at St. Anthony`s Church in Hawthorne NJ. From there, they moved to Totowa and raised their cherished thirteen children. Over the years Nina worked throughout the community as a Nurse, including working 3rd shift at the local hospital and at the North Jersey Training School. For several summers, she was the Nurse at the CYO Day Camp in West Milford, NJ. She was also employed as the School Nurse at Holy Angels in Little Falls, NJ and at St. James School in Totowa Borough. Nina was the RN and Blood Bank Representative for Totowa Borough as well as a Visiting Home Nurse. Nina retired from The Totowa Borough Board of Health Department in 1989. Soon after, they moved to Port Orange, FL where they built their new home, and started their next adventure. While in Florida, Nina and Edward served over ten years at The Library for the Blind, and also volunteered at The Coalition for the Homeless and at The Palmetto House. Nina also held office at the Volusia County Family and Community Extension Club. Her love of Hawaiian dancing with the Hanalei Dancers, a senior Hawaiian Dance Group, had her entertaining others throughout all of Florida. From there, Nina and Edward moved on to Cedar Park, TX to continue their love filled journey. Nina was a dear mother to the late Edward J. Henry III, affectionately known as the Number One Son. Nina is survived by her adoring big brother Bernard Criscenzo and his wife, Thalia, of Maywood, NJ and his ten loving children. As well as two esteemed sister-n- laws, Joyce Crothers and Frances Villopoto and many other nieces and nephews. Her surviving children are, Lynn Behnke, Green Valley, AZ, Gary Henry, Newton, NJ, Janice Ploch, Crab Orchard, KY, Susan Pavlak, Butler, NJ, Diane Standefer, Cedar Park, TX, Nancy Flood, Shady Shores, TX, Mary Ann Shatwell, Waxahachie, TX, Carol Wagner, Plymouth, WI, Lori Fedkenheuer, Parsippany, NJ, Lois Steidle, Daytona Beach, FL, James Henry, Jefferson, NJ and Douglas Henry, Port Orange, FL. Twenty amazing grandchildren, and twenty one beautiful great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at Beck Funeral Home, 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd. Cedar Park, TX on Saturday February 29, 2020 at 6:00 pm. There will also be A Celebration of Life at The Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on a date and time to be announced. The original date has been postponed. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com