Norma Louise Mchenry

Norma Louise McHenry, 58, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island and formerly of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on May 19, 2010.Norma was born on July 19, 1951 in Newport, and was the daughter of James Norman McHenry and the late Greta Genevieve McHenry.In addition to her father, she is survived by her brother William McHenry and his wife Lisa, of Wyoming, Rhode Island, along with three nieces, a nephew, and a great niece. Along with being a beloved daughter, sister, favorite aunt and recently a great aunt, Norma was an accomplished artist and musician. She played the bagpipes with the Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipes and Drum band of Newport, and the Fort Lauderdale Highlanders in Florida. She also played the harp magnificently, often at Renaissance fairs, and was a gifted musician with a God-given talent for any instrument that found its way into her possession. Norma was an exceptional ceramics artist, painter and sculptor who traveled throughout the country participating in art shows. Her passion for the arts led her to become a juried member of the American Crafts Council.More recently, she was a published author whose writing appeared in various magazines and periodicals. Norma was a graduate of Portsmouth High School, Goddard College, and spent time studying abroad at Dublin University. As a loving family member, she thoroughly enjoyed coordinating social events. Cookie swaps, weddings, showers, and any random gathering brought her and everyone in her family much joy. Norma loved cats, cooking, gardening and walks in nature along with anything purple. She had a vivacious spirit and was the heart and soul of her family. Her love for life was unmatched and will live on through those who love her.Her funeral will be held on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 10 a.m., at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010, from 2-5 p.m., at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.The family that in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI.