Born Nov. 8, 1927, she lived her entire life in Taylor, and had been residing at S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living since September 2018.
Henrietta was the daughter of Swen Swenson and Henrietta (Noack) Swenson. At the young age of 8, she joined the Methodist Church in Hutto, April 22, 1934, and later became a member of the First Baptist Church in Taylor Oct. 3, 1937, when her family moved there. In 1974, she and her husband joined the Taylor Brethren Church.
Henrietta spent her formative years growing up in the Hutto and Taylor areas. She took great pride in her education and graduated from Taylor High School, class of 1944. Following her graduation, she worked in the office for Montgomery Ward and later joined her sister Margaret as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell. It was during this time that she met William Anderson, leading to a charming and romantic courtship. They married July 4, 1948, and enjoyed 25 years of loving companionship until William’s passing in 1974.
Throughout her life, Henrietta remained a dedicated worker. She worked for Fashins in Taylor while her children were in school, and later held positions at Tracor in Austin and John Roberts Company in South Austin, where she became a supervisor for the company that made class rings.
On July 10, 1976, Henrietta married Jack B. Gordon until his passing in 1987. For many years thereafter, she found companionship with August Kotrla until his death in 2008.
Henrietta had a passion for her family, and her love and support knew no bounds. She cherished moments spent antiquing, collecting Fenton glassware and coins, nurturing her beautiful roses and spending weekends playing scat with friends at Mo’s. Her visits with friends and family and her domino games at the rest home were sources of joy and connection.
She shared a special bond with her beloved sisters, creating wonderful memories while preserving corn and peeling pecans, and enjoyed extended visits with them throughout the years. Her helping hands and the boundless love she showered upon her family will be deeply missed.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Elsie Scott, Margaret Sinnigson and Annie Grace McBride; as well as her grandson, William Scott Anderson.
Henrietta is survived by her three children, William Michael (Bill) Anderson (Carolyn), Joyce Kokes (Marvin) and Shelly Dykowski.
Her love extended to her numerous grandchildren, Chad Dykowski, Colby Craig, Devin Vanderpool, Kristy Young, Mallory Vrana, Dr. Mark Kokes, Marsha Ansted, Toby Keeling and Vanessa Lynch. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of greatgrandchildren, whose lives she touched with affection and care.
A visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, while a funeral service was held Friday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos G. Parker Blvd NW in Taylor.
The pallbearers for the service were Dr. Mark Kokes, Matthew Vrana, Chad Dykowski, Brenden Lynch, Toby Keeling, David Vanderpool, with James Ray Wade serving as the honorary pallbearer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Taylor Brethren Church, in loving memory of Henrietta Sophia Swenson Anderson Gordon.
Henrietta’s warmth, kindness, and devotion will be forever cherished by her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing the profound impact she has on those whose lives she touched.
