Renwyck Donald Henderson

Dartmouth, MA - With heavy hearts we announce the death of Renwyck Donald Henderson, 97, of Dartmouth, MA and formerly of Haverhill, Ma. He passed on February 14,2025, after a brief illness. He was born in Haverhill, MA on June 1,1927. He married the love of his life, Sarah Bernice (Hefford) Henderson on February 16,1957. They were married for sixty-five years until her passing in October 2022. He was loved and cherished by his children, including his daughter Susan Lea Newman (Michael), Karen Ann Coakley (Richard), Steven Donald Henderson (Maureen), Nancy Jean Tetreault (Timothy) and Paul Andrew Henderson. His grandchildren, Daniel Henderson, Melanie Dunlap, Courtney Kinder, Marisa Defrancesco, Jonathan Kinder and Stephanie Burris. In more recent years he was blessed with great grandchildren, Selah Burris, Huxley Burris, Renwyck Henderson, Decker Burris, Isla Defrancesco and Vivien Henderson. He was honored when he learned his great grandson would carry his family name of Renwyck through the next generation. He thoroughly enjoyed every moment with each of them. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Ola (MacLeod) and Renwyck W Henderson, his brothers, Richard A. Henderson, and Robert H. Henderson and his sister Linda Schena. He leaves his siblings June Fitzgerald, Alan Henderson, and Jane Lesiczka. He lived in Andover on the family farm and learned the business of farming from his beloved father. Following the unexpected passing of his father he went on to support the family, a responsibility he assumed with deep seriousness and commitment. He attended Essex Agricultural High School and was the President of his graduating class. In 1954, he was drafted into the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division in Korea. Upon discharge he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, commendation Ribbon with Pendant and the National Service Medal. He had immense pride in his service to the United States. Following his marriage, Don and Bernice purchased a farm in Haverhill, MA. Together they built a successful business and ran the farm for over 50 years. The Henderson Farm was well known for the highest quality flowers and vegetables sold through the retail store. He also packaged vegetables for distribution through the New England Vegetable and Fruit Exchange in Chelsea, MA. With the success of the business, he always looked for ways to help others. He would quietly and without fanfare provide vegetables to anyone in need. He was never reluctant to help anyone who needed a helping hand or listening ear. Upon his retirement, Donald pursued his lifelong dream of traveling with his wife and grandchildren. They were able to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Most notably, their time with family in Newfoundland and a long-anticipated trip to Alaska. They developed lifelong friends along the way. A private family service will be held, to celebrate his remarkable life of love and service to his country and his family. In appreciation of the long-term care by his physician, Dr. Lowell Schnipper, the family requests donations be made in Donald Henderson’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by clicking here.

Renwyck Donald Henderson

June 1, 1927 - February 14, 2025