Alice May Henry

Alice May Penewitt Henry was born on a farm in Mason City, Illinois to parents Emmer and Emily Jane Penewitt. Alice had a sister, Martha. Martha became ill and passed away in her youth. Alice graduated from Illinois College. She received her Masters from the School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Alice was a bright light who will be sorely missed by many people. In both her professional and private life she gave with her whole heart and array of talents to many individuals and the community. For more than 45 years, Alice was a social worker supervisor for the El Dorado County Department of Human Services. She advised and mentored social workers with wisdom and kindness. Alice volunteered at Sierra Wildlife Rescue. She had expertise in caring for and feeding baby birds. She had a flight cage at her home for birds that were on the mend to strengthen before being released. Late in life, she mentioned that she had thought of changing careers to the study of wildlife. An accomplished pianist herself, Alice helped bring classical musicians to Placerville through Community Concert. A member of the Historical Society, she was a docent for the museums in Placerville and for the Wakamatsu Center and the Nature Conservancy. Alice was active in the Shakespeare Club. She enjoyed the literary and historical presentations. She not only baked for events; she did painting and repairs on the building as well. She was an imaginative quilter, a fine needlework artist, as well as a great cook and baker who whipped up food for the many groups she took part in. She also sewed garments for herself and friends. She piloted a small plane, loved to hike, enjoyed seeing live theater and reading. Alice said,"Sometimes I enter the library and it's like a book is calling me from its shelf. I find so many unexpected treasures that way." Alice had great stories to tell but always listened to the stories of others. Always ladylike, she enjoyed sitting at a bar chatting with people she didn't know. If you called Alice at 8:30 a.m., she had already baked a coffee cake, raked her driveway, replenished her bird feeders and was ready to share book recommendations. Alice was up for new experiences right to the end of her life. She was constantly learning and had begun attending a poetry writers' group. She did everything with energy, had a fabulous sense of humor, and was a wonderful friend. The Davis Friends Meeting will hold a memorial event at a later date, anticipated to be in the spring. We will do our best to get the word out when the time is set.