Mary Lu Harris Henrie's Obituary
Mary Lu Harris Henrie, 72, passed away peacefully August 19, 2025 in North Ogden, Utah following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Mary Lu, or Mary, as she often preferred, was born on December 30, 1952 to Grant and Helen Jones Harris in Payson, Utah, the oldest of six children. She grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah and graduated from Spanish Fork High School. Mary’s parents were both elementary teachers and instilled in her a love for both education and teaching. She attended Brigham Young University in Provo where she earned a degree in Elementary Education; she later earned a Master’s degree in Special Education. During her early years at BYU, she met a handsome Canadian, Earl Henrie, the love of her life. They married on November 21, 1975 in the Provo temple, and grew to build a beautiful family, consisting of six children: Michael Earl, Justin James, Tricia Marie, Bradley Alan, Mary Allison, and Suzanne Mara.
Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher. She shared her love of music, reading, learning, and creativity with her family and students. Music was a high priority in Mary’s household. She was an exceptional pianist and could play anything. She made sure each of her six children not only learned to play the piano (and many instruments), but also to sing parts. She created a legacy of music; the piano and beautiful harmonies could always be heard coming from the Henrie home. She loved to hear her children sing together and often volunteered them to sing for other church services and events (which her children did not always appreciate at the time). Her grandchildren inherited her love for music and hearing them sing and play various instruments brought her great joy! Mary loved reading and always had a book or audiobook with her–Harry Potter was a particular favorite. She filled her home with music, good food, and art. She loved celebrating holidays with family. She taught elementary and special education in Lehi and Brigham City until her retirement in 2019.
Known for her wit, sense of humor, and service to others, Mary Lu was a joy to be around. She made friends everywhere she went, made people feel loved and welcomed, and made everyone laugh. Many of her children’s friends considered Mary as a second mom. She valued spending time with those she loved.
She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found joy in her callings, especially serving in the temple both as an organist and in the temple nursery.
Mary Lu is survived by her children: Michael (Jamie) of Harrisville, UT; Justin (Dani) of Longmont, CO; Tricia Eavenson (Jared) of Liberty, UT; Bradley (Emma) of Dickinson, TX; Allison Fry (Jack) of Palmer, AK; Suzanne Briggs (Nathan) of South Ogden, UT, and by her treasured 21 grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Duane (Karen), Alan (Delores), David (Julie), Richard (Kari), and by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces. She was preceded in death by many loved ones, including her husband; her parents; her parents-in-law, Ellis Daniel and Louise Walton Henrie; her sister, Janette Harris; brothers-in-law Ross Henrie and Allan Orr; and a nephew, Brandon Harris. We know she is having a special reunion in Heaven.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Ogden 12th Ward, 1791 North 600 East in North Ogden, Utah. A viewing will be held just prior to services from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Ben Lomond Cemetery in North Ogden. Funeral services are under the direction of Premier Funeral Services.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all who lovingly cared for our mom and grandma during her final years, especially the wonderful Memory Care staff at the Auberge North Ogden and Mapu and her A Plus Hospice team for their tender care.
For those wishing to participate virtually, services will be streamed via zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93883979810
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