Saunderstown, R.I. —
The daughter of Dr. Albert C. Henry and Doris (Lintern) Henry, of Wickford, R.I., Judith Ann Henry was born in South County Hospital in Wakefield, R.I., on July 20, 1935.
She graduated from North Kingstown High School in 1953, and in 1957 earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with scholastic honors from the University of Rhode Island, where she served as president of the Delta Zeta sorority and was selected for the Sachems, an honorary service organization. She was crowned queen of the junior prom and, in her senior year, was elected by her fellow students as Miss URI.
On Oct. 1, 1957, she was married to her URI classmate Peter F. Kohlsaat, of Tenafly, N.J., in St. Paul’s Church in Wickford. His career with the Marine Corps, and later with United Airlines, took them from Rhode Island to Florida, California, Texas, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, among many other places. When they retired, in 1995, they settled in Saunderstown, R.I., where they built their dream home on the banks of the Narrow River.
She loved flowers and was active in the Plum Beach Garden Club in Wickford. A passionate reader, she was especially fond of the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, E.B. White, John Updike and John Cheever. She had a great appreciation for art, especially painting, and had a natural talent for decorating.
Gentle, generous and kind, she took a genuine interest in others and was quick to share her memorable smile with friends and strangers alike. Her thoughtful notes and cards, written in her graceful hand and always sent on time, were the highlight of the day for those fortunate enough to receive them.
She loved to see the morning light on the river, to watch the ducks congregate near the dock, and to hear the laughter of her grandchildren as they swam and played in the water.
Her favorite times were those spent with her family, especially birthdays, holiday dinners and marathon Christmas celebrations that often stretched for three days.
In addition to her husband of 58 years, she is survived by her four sons, four daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren: Ernst P. Kohlsaat and his wife, Eleanor, of Vershire, Vt.; Eric P. Kohlsaat and his wife, Jennifer, of Verona, N.J.; Peter F. Kohlsaat Jr., his wife, Justine, and their children, Peter III and Evan, of Newtown, Conn.; and Paul H. Kohlsaat, his wife, Christine, and their children, Katie and Declan, of Norwood, Mass.
She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Albert Jr. and David; and her sister, Marilyn Henry Potter.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 4, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul’s Church, 55 Main St., Wickford, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. A private burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. The Cranston-Murphy Funeral Home of Wickford is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Campaign for Cancer Care at South County Hospital, 401-788-1608 or www.southcountyhealth.org, or to the charity of your choice.