Theresa Margaret Henning

With all my love always, until our next safari

Theresa Margaret Henning (Terry), 78, of Keene, NH passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 13, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Terry was born on December 12, 1946, in Bridgeport, CT to Steven Stefanko and Margaret Stefanko (Flasko). Terry was raised in Fairfield, CT, and attended Andrew Warde High School. Terry studied art at Southern Connecticut State University and Oregon State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in art and a master’s in printmaking. 

During her time at Southern Connecticut State University, Terry met Frederick Henning, her beloved husband and soulmate. After their time in Connecticut, Terry and Rick spent two years in the Peace Corps in Morocco. Terry and Rick returned to the United States to pursue their master’s degrees in Oregon. Then they moved to New Hampshire, where Terry was a librarian, and Rick was a physical education and health teacher. Their daughter Meg was born, and they decided it was time to return to school. Rick then earned his doctorate from the University of Tennessee, but their time in the Peace Corps had sparked a love of travel. Terry and Rick embarked on a lifetime of adventure together, living in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Fritz was born in Indonesia, and Jed was born in Guatemala. As a family, they lived in Kenya, India, Zambia, and Liberia before retiring to New Hampshire. Terry and Rick enjoyed being with family during retirement, spending time at their cabin on Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee and traveling throughout the United States. 

Terry was an accomplished and beloved art and yoga teacher throughout her career. Terry’s passion for art extended beyond the classroom as she crafted beautiful homemade needlepoint stockings and sweaters for family members. Terry was dedicated to caring for others and practiced and taught yoga, reflexology, and reiki. She was a dear friend and loved meeting people everywhere, always extending kindness and a bright smile. Terry was an avid photographer, jewelry maker, cook, baker, and lover of her pets, including numerous cats, dogs, birds, and horses. Of all her admirable traits and accomplishments, Terry’s proudest role was being a mother. Terry lived for her children and created cherished memories of baking cookies, going on safaris, sailing, doing yoga, reading, hiking, and drinking tea. 

Terry is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rick Henning, as well as her three children, Margaret Henning and husband Douglas Wilcox of Keene, NH, and her two grandchildren, who she loved dearly, Reed and Norah Wilcox of Keene, NH. Terry is also survived by her two sons, David Fritz Stephen and husband Cody Henning-Caisse of Leominster, MA, and Jed Henning and wife Arianna Henning (Black) of Reynoldsburg, OH. Terry is survived by her sister, Marie Zinovenko (Stefanko), her niece, Annie Zinovenko, and her nephew, Alex Zinovenko, all of Fairfield, CT. Terry was predeceased by her mother, Margaret Stefanko (Flasko), and father, Steven Stefanko.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 3rd at 10:00am at the First Congregational Church, 4 Highland Street, Meredith, NH. Burial will immediately follow at the Meredith Village Cemetery. All are welcome to a reception from 11:30-2:30 at the Oval Room, Church Landing at Mills Falls, 281 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, NH following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry’s honor to the Bear Island Conservation Association, Planned Parenthood, or any foundations that support wildlife and conservation efforts. 

To share photos, memories, or condolences with the family, please email terry.henning2025@gmail.com.