Associate Henrietta Chamness died Aug. 21, 2014. She was 86.
Henrietta was born on Nov. 24, 1927 in Bourbonnais, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis (Foo) Chamness and her brother Euchrist (Mush) Marcotte, also Viatorian Associates. She is survived by seven children and many grandchildren.
Henrietta became a Viatorian Associate in 2002, and made her definitive commitment on Aug. 7, 2012. During her life, and especially as an associate, Henrietta lived the mission of the Viatorian Community in many ways. She was director of nurses and an administrator at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, IL, from 1985-1990. As a former golfer, she worked with administrators of the hospital to start the first golf outing to raise funds for a new activities van. The benefit outing has continually raised money for countless projects.
As a retired registered nurse, she worked with migrant workers in Momence, IL to provide monthly blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, as well as eye exams. She also helped distribute clothing to the workers and their families.
What began as a one-time event led to a 20-year ministry as she and her husband “Foo” opened their home and their hearts to area nursing home residents by hosting an old fashioned backyard picnic.
Together with other Viatorians, Henrietta and Foo traveled to Belize as part of two Viatorian medical missions, each time visiting eight to nine villages and providing much needed medical attention to local residents.
Visitation took place Aug. 24 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais, before a Mass of Resurrection on Aug. 25 was celebrated at Maternity BVM Parish.
Please remember our sister Henrietta and her family in your Masses and prayers.
Taken from letter dated Aug. 22, 2014 to the Viatorian Community from the Provincial, Rev. Thomas von Behren, CSV