Judith C. Hanneken-Henry

Obituary for Judith C. Hanneken-Henry, Ph.D.

Judith C. Hanneken-Henry, Ph.D., age 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by care and prayer. Born on March 9, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Helen Mae (Burpee) Hanneken and Charles Edward Hanneken.

On June 25, 1988, Judith married Raymond S. Henry Jr., with whom she shared a deep companionship rooted in faith and love until Raymond’s passing.

A woman of profound intellect and spiritual depth, Judith began her faith journey at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church. Later in life, she embraced the Roman Catholic tradition and became a devoted member of the Historic Church of Saint Patrick, where she served faithfully as a Lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She was also deeply involved in the parish’s outreach ministry. Her spiritual home extended, with active participation, to the communities of Corpus Christi University Parish at the University of Toledo and Saint Joseph Parish in Sylvania.

Professionally, Judith was a respected and accomplished Professor of English at the University of Toledo. Her passion for literature and education inspired generations of students and colleagues throughout her distinguished academic career.

In her later years, Judith faced life’s final season with grace and gratitude. We celebrate, with great gratitude, the gifts of the compassionate caregivers at Christian Home Health Care, Saint Clare Commons, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their dedicated care and kindness.

Judith will be remembered for her unwavering faith, intellectual brilliance, and generous spirit. Her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched through teaching, ministry, and friendship.

Visitation will be held Monday October 20th, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday October 21st, 2025, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church Sylvania. Interment will be held following the Funeral Mass at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial donations in her honor can be made out to the Diocese of Toledo for Seminarian Education.