Obituary of Muriel G. Henderson

Muriel Grubmeyer Henderson passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024. Muriel was born on June 23, 1922, the daughter of the late William F Grubmeyer and Marian E Grubmeyer. She was the beloved wife of her late husband Louis Stanley Henderson Jr. to whom she was married 60 years. She lived in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania for most of her life and had resided of The Hill at Whitemarsh since 2007; she was one of the original residents of the new facility.

Muriel was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Germantown High School. Upon graduation she went to work for Philadelphia Electric in several positions over her 12-year career until her eldest son was born. During high school and after graduation she loved to act on the stage in Philadelphia. There she got to play roles with her school friend Grace Kelly, the late Princess of Monaco. During the Second World War she also traveled across Pennsylvania with a drama team to raise money for war bonds.

She met her future husband Lou while at school. During their marriage they literally traveled all over the world, including a flight on the Concorde and cruises on the Queen Elizabeth 2. Throughout her life she was known as a wonderful dresser and for her smile and as a woman who kept her positive outlook throughout her life. She also was an avid Quester, a fine watercolorist and did amazing needlepoints. Her free time was spent reading books, usually a well-written mystery.

Mrs. Henderson was a member of St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette Hill, PA for over 65 years where she served on the altar guild for many years. When Muriel could no longer drive, she regularly worshipped online at Brunswick Church in Troy NY where her son William serves as the interim pastor.

Left to mourn her loss are her two sons: William Stanley Henderson (wife Georgiann) of Malta NY and Louis Stanley Henderson III (wife Janet) of Newtown Square, PA, five grandchildren: Andrew Henderson of Mesa AZ, Rebecca Henderson of Wheaton, IL, Elizabeth Henderson Robertson (husband Brad) of Santa Barbara CA, Timothy Henderson of Bryn Mawr PA, and Lisa Henderson of London, UK. Muriel adored her grandchildren, and they will not forget her humor, her love of Lucy, her cat companion for many years, and her playing skill with Rummikub. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces and was thankful to be the loving matriarch of the larger family during the last 20 years. Her wisdom and love will be cherished and missed by her family.

A memorial service will be held on Friday October 25, 2024 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 919 Tennis Avenue, Maple Glen PA at 11:00 am. This will be preceded by visitation with the family at 10:30 am. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her memory either to the Art Studio at the Hill at Whitmarsh [4000 Fox Hound Drive, Lafayette Hill PA 19444] or to Brunswick Church for the courtyard garden project [42 White Church Lane, Troy NY 12180].