Rene Hendrickson

Rene Laws Hendrickson, age 69, passed away peacefully at her home on July 18, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Rene was born in Okinawa, Japan to John and Pearl Laws and lived the peripatetic life of an army brat, moving to Savannah, Georgia, Lincoln, Nebraska and Morocco before settling down in Orlando, Florida.  She later enrolled at the University of Florida to study Occupational Therapy.  While at school, she had the good fortune of meeting Edwin Hendrickson and where else would they go on their first date but to a Gator football game. Go Gators!  

Rene worked for 40 years as an occupational therapist in a variety of settings. Her favorite was the last 25 year she spent with Therapy Services of Delaware supporting children in schools throughout New Jersey and Delaware.  She was a talented seamstress, and frequently volunteered her time to tailor items, whether making costumes for the kids for Halloween or helping a neighbor with prom dress alterations.  Rene made many friends in their neighborhood who became like family, and enjoyed regular games of pinochle and mahjong. 

She enjoyed adventure and physical activity, and traveled with her family on ski trips including Okemo, Vermont and Crested Butte, Colorado as well as boating adventures on the Chesapeake. After retirement, Ed and Rene were able to take some memorable trips including the Pacific Northwest, Paris and Isle of Man with dear friends.

Her greatest source of pride was her own family.  She actively supported her children throughout their lives, from childhood sports and marching band practices and competitions, through college and their own adventures in parenting.  Once the grandkids came along, she became an avid fan of dirtbike races, soccer, lacrosse, and anything she could do to see them as often as possible. 

Rene is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ed; her daughter, Ashley (Nathan) Carlson of Port Allegheny, PA; her son, Scott (Erin) of Kennett Square, PA; her three precious grandchildren, Ryan, Quinlan, and Lila; and her niece, Jennifer Laws of Orlando, FL, whom she always considered like a second daughter.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Delaware Hospice, the Blood Bank of Delmarva, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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