Lenore Marie Palenik Henry

Lenore Marie Palenik Henry, 70, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on July 27, 2026, in the home of her daughter, Trisha Hartzell, after a courageous 12-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on June 1, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, to Rudolph and Lucille Palenik. Lenore was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Henry; her parents, Rudolph and Lucille Palenik; and her brothers, Jay Palenikand Rob Palenik. She is survived by her loving daughters, Trisha Hartzell and her partner, Jason Smith, and Jessica King and her husband, Christian; her cherished grandchildren, Ethan Trout, Kendall Hartzell, and Kapri Hartzell; her brother, Ray Palenik (Jan); her sisters, Laura Lampi (Mike), Susan Siemer (John), and Mary Evanoff (Tom); her sisters-in-law, Susan Palenik and Cheryl Palenik; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Lenore faced more than most people ever should. Through years of surgeries, treatments, and setbacks, she endured each challenge with extraordinary resilience, quiet strength, and unwavering grace. Even while fighting her own battle, she remained the rock for her beloved husband, Bill, during his own courageous fight with cancer until his passing. Her ability to carry others while enduring so much herself was a testament to the remarkable woman she was. To those who knew her best, Lenore was so much more than her illness. She was a devoted mother, an adoring grandmother, a loyal friend, and someone whose love was constant and unconditional. She taught her family that true strength isn't about never bending—it's about bending without breaking. Her kindness, compassion, and steadfast presence shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Lenore found joy in life's simplest moments. The beach was her happy place, where she felt most at peace listening to the waves and soaking up the warmth of the sun. In her final months, even as life became increasingly difficult, she reminded everyone around her that happiness could still be found in the smallest things. That was Lenore—always finding a reason to smile and helping others smile, even during life's hardest seasons. Her greatest pride and deepest joy were her grandchildren, Ethan Trout, Kendall Hartzell, and Kapri Hartzell. She never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, celebrate their accomplishments, or simply be present in their lives. She loved each of them fiercely and treasured every moment she spent with them. Those moments of laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love will forever be cherished by her family. In her final days, her greatest comfort came from being home, surrounded by the people she loved most, with her faithful little dog, Tanner, curled up beside her. It was exactly where she wanted to be. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing Lenore is reunited with her beloved husband, Bill, free from pain and at peace. Her legacy is one of resilience, unwavering love, selfless devotion, kindness, and laughter. She taught us to live with courage, to love without reservation, and to find joy even in life's darkest moments. We will miss her every day, but we will carry her with us always—in every wave that reaches the shore, every sunset over the water, every family gathering, every shared laugh, and every act of kindness. A celebration of Lenore's life will be held at Sarasota Sahib Shrine, 600 N Beneva Road, on September 5, 2026, from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Lenore's memory by spending time with those you love, finding joy in the little things, and never taking a single day for granted. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

Tributes

Lenore Marie Palenik Henry

July 27, 2026