In Loving Memory of
Lynella May Henke
13 April, 1973 – 3 November, 2024
Funeral Service with Live Stream
Friday, November 8, 2024
11:00 AM Pacific / 12:00 PM Mountain / 1:00 PM Central / 2:00 PM Eastern
Creekside Conference Center,
3310-37 Ave., Vernon, BC
Reception to Follow
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Lynella Henke Obituary
Lynella May Henke passed away at the age of 51 in Vernon, BC on November 3rd, 2024 after an extensive battle with cancer. She is survived by her parents Eric and Mavis Jackson, her husband Trevor Henke, as well as her daughters Janessa and Myrissa Henke. She is predeceased by her daughter Lynza Henke who tragically passed away just 11 weeks before her. Lynella leaves behind two sisters and one brother, Jelaine (Eldon) Larson, Garth (Delicia) Jackson, and Glenda (Travis) Elley as well numerous nieces and nephews.
Lynella was born to Eric and Mavis Jackson in Vernon on Friday, April 13th, 1973. As a result, she always viewed Friday the 13th as her lucky day, and the number 13 as her lucky number. Lynella was always very ambitious and had a keen mind for business. She had paper routes throughout her childhood, and often delivered in excess of 100 papers per day. Vernon Daily News was her first employer, and she enjoyed spending evenings canvassing neighbourhoods and telemarketing for new newspaper subscriptions. It was a constant frustration to her siblings that she would always land the most new subscriptions and as a result win the most bonus prizes. On April 29th, 1984 at the age of 11 Lynella made her choice to follow Jesus wherever that path would take her. She stayed true to the commitment without wavering her entire life, allowing each difficult experience to strengthen her relationship with God.
Lynella graduated from Vernon Secondary School in 1991 and started a business program at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. In 1994 she opened a second location of the educational supply store her mother Mavis had started in the basement of the family home. Lynella started Teach and Learn in Penticton at the young age of 21, once again showing her business ambition. It was obvious even from that early age that she had a passion for retail sales and managing her own location of the store.
In April of 1995, she gave up all of her natural possessions and volunteered to enter the ministry to spread the Gospel Story. From 1995 to 2001 she worked as a homeless minister through BC and Montana. Lynella had to make the difficult decision to leave the ministry after suffering a serious car accident which left her with significant back pain. It was the first of many medical setbacks she encountered through life however, her faith through each difficult experience never faltered.
On July 19, 2002, Lynella married the love of her life, Trevor Henke. Trevor relocated to Vernon where they bought a house and started to build their life together. Less than a year later they made the decision to purchase Vernon Teach and Learn from her parents Eric and Mavis Jackson. Although she had put her love for the store on hold for several years, God’s plan had taken her in a full circle back to Vernon and back to retail sales. For almost 22 years Lynella has loved working with Trevor, their daughters and employees to build the business to what it is today, truly a family business with family values at its core. She would often mention how her employees felt like family to her, and she truly loved serving the community. In 2004 Lynella completed a Business Diploma from Thompson River University. In October, the Vernon Chamber of Commerce awarded Lynella with the “Business Leader of the Year Award” for excellence in business leadership and the dedication that she has shown to the Downtown Business Association. Lynella also became the first recipient of the “Lynza Legacy Award” which honors exceptional community leadership, collaborative efforts, and relentless pursuit of positive development in Downtown Vernon.
Often referred to as the “butterfly lady” due to her love of butterflies, Lynella went through some battles in life that to an outside observer would seem unfair. Even in her most difficult experience of losing her daughter Lynza while suffering through a battle with cancer, her faith stayed strong. She continued to do everything in her power to help encourage that same faith in others. She expressed her desire to keep fighting in order to be in her daughters’ lives for just a bit longer, but in the end, the battle was more than she had the strength to fight, and she slipped away quietly and calmly with her family at her side, to be with her daughter Lynza. Lynella’s example of faith and determination through adversity will be a strength for Trevor, Janessa and Myrissa.
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Hugs to all the family. Glad I got to meet Lynza and Lynella
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My thoughts and prayers going out to the entire family at this time of grief and sorrow. May God’s love bring comfort. Raeanne Arlt
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Heart Felt Condolences to All Immediate & Extended Families .
Lynella’s Life showed God comes first , She was in His Hands then & now ..
I’m Thankful our paths crossed ..
Thank You for the Beautiful Service, viewed virtually.
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A beautiful service for an outstanding lady. RIP Lynella
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I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Lynella.
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We remember Lynella in our home many years ago….
She was just special.
May your hearts continue to find comfort.
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Trevor and girls, we are thankful that we could watch the service virtually. It was beautiful service and tribute to Lynella and your life together. We trust you and the girls will know the comfort of God as you forge your way these next days. We do appreciate the times we did see you at Ronan etc. Hopefully that can happen again. Wishing you the best. Duane and Janette Braaten
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I would like to extend Deepest sympathy to all of the family. I have fond memories of my time in Vernon and Wednesday night and other special gatherings in your home, Trevor. Kindest thoughts and deepest sympathy.
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Our Dear Henke and Jackson families! It seems like yesterday that this was the wee girl in our Mtg. She has been a very loved friend and will be so missed! So happy she shone to the end!
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We are so sorry we couldn’t be with you in person, but are thankful we could join in online. We will be thinking of you so much in the days that are ahead.
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Trevor Janessa, Marissa, Eric, Mavis and extended family. We are thinking of you so much in your sorrow and loss. May the God of all comfort be very close at this time
Bonnie and Warren Anderson
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My thoughts went toward you both, Mavis and Eric, when I heard that Lynella had passed away. I listened to her Funeral Service, virtually, this afternoon and enjoyed so much the encouraging messages. I remember Lynella from her few years she was in the Work and had passed through Williams Lake.
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To Trevor, Janessa, and Myrissa,
May her memory always be a blessing. May your hearts always remember her smile, her laughter and her voice. Know that she made a difference in this world and was someone to hold dear, look up to and treasure…..you all have my thoughts and prayers. If I can in any way help, you have but to message me and will be there. Hugs and peace …your always friend, Doris
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Thinking of your family going forward without Lynella and Lynza. May you know sweet comfort from above and find strength for each step of the Way. Lyall and June Johnson
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Phil 4:13 –
Such a difficult and challenging time for your family.
Contentment is the result of being at peace. And true peace comes as a result of trusting God. In life we obtain this priceless peace by learning through even the most challenging experiences to trust God.
The highest compliment we can give to our God is our trust … trusting Him (His will) with our lives, our all.
Warm, kind thoughts your way in the days ahead.
Doug M.
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Dear Eric and Mavis, Trevor and girls, we are so sorry for your loss. We are thankful that during these difficult days you each have God’s presence with you. And we are confident that Lynella has reached her expected end-eternity with God. With love and sympathy for your loss, Darrel and Kathleen.
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As my daughter and I sit here, reading of Lynella’s natural gifts, personal triumphs, and life struggles, we can’t help but remember how she has so deeply touched our own family life. She and Trevor, along with the love of their daughters, brought our own family much closer together when they took on the care and spiritual support of my grandparents. Your family is forever in our hearts. May Lynella rest in peace. May Lynza welcome her with tenderness. And may Maryssa, Janessa and Trevor once again learn to live fully and completely once they have taken time to heal.
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I have good memories of the year Lynella spent with auntie Phyllis O. in the city. Much was accomplished .
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Such an incredible leader and inspirational woman even her fight for life was a testament to who she was and who she lives for! Her family, Christ, and her community. Sending love and prayers!
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Dear Henke and Jackson families,
Such an outstanding service and we want to add our thanks for the privilege of viewing it online.
We pray that the life that was so faithfully lived will be a comfort to you all, and the comforter the holy spirit will make it’s presence known in a very real way in future days. We are reminded of Lynella’s words at Lynza’s funeral” we don’t want to put a question mark where God has put a period”
With much love and condolences.
Rob n Elva
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Mavis and Eric,
You are in my heart.
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Sorry to hear of your deep loss.. May the God of Heaven hold you very close to his heart..
Love Darius & Annie Tschetter
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Thinking of you all. We will always remember Lynella and her kindness and generosity. we are so privileged to have had her example. <3
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To Lynella’s grieving family— she was a great lady to all in every aspect of her life and will be greatly missed — this comes with heartfelt sympathy .
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My heart aches for you. Knowing that Lynella loved God and was so faithful will help to be a comfort to you.
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Thinking of you all in your loss of Lynella. May her life continue to encourage and inspire us to finish the race. With sincere condolenses and heartfelt sympathy to the family.
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My condolences to family.
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Deepest condolences to all the family. Lynella touched so many lives and there are so many wonderful memories of her. <3
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You will be missed Lynella. To the Henke family, I’m so sorry for you losses this year.
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To the Henke Family;
Lynella was such a wonderful person and touched so many of us while conversing in the store. Full of knowledge and always so helpful. I could go in there and say “I have a 4 year old boy and would like to purchase $40 of items to occupy him.” She would have my arms full in no time at all. And the children would love what she chose. You will be sadly missed.
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Sending my love and condolences to both Henke and Jackson families.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Lynella was an amazing woman. My fondest memory of her was when I brought my daughter in to pick out some birthday gifts for my her. . She was so into it and wrapped those gifts so beautifully that my daughter didn’t know what she got. I appreciated her and I will never forget her. Thank you for being an amazing part of our community and lives. Sending hugs to all of you.
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I wish I could have known her better. I think I would have loved her. 💕
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My deepest condolences to Trevor and the family. Sending warm hugs and prayers. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask
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Thinking of your family during this time. May you find comfort from all you love & surround you in prayer. Lynella was truly one of a kind. My sincere condolences
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We are sorry we could not attend , but wonderful to join in virtually. Appreciate knowing Lynella years ago when she stayed with us during her time at TRU in Kamloops.Thankful to know her dedicated life in serving God and a true mother and wife in their family. Encourages us all to see a
true zest and purpose iin life. Trevor and girls, we wish you comfort unlimited now and forever. Damaris & Larry
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With our warmest and deepest heartfelt condolences to all the Jackson and Henke families. May you all find comfort in your faith and in your familes and friends at this difficult time.
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Sending my deepest condolences to you, Trevor and all your family, in your tremendous loss. So thankful for our “God of Comfort” who understands the hurts of our hearts and who will continue to comfort, heal and lead us deeper into His sweet will. I’m very thankful for Lynella’s faithful life and the brief moments she spent in my home years ago. And, in later years I always appreciated her professionalism and wonderful, cheery attitude of customer service and dependable support she always gave from your Vernon Teach & Learn store to the staff and teachers of School District No. 57. She will be greatly missed by many, in many different capacities.
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Sending so much love to your family.
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I loved Lynella in her many different roles: the cheerful owner of the Vernon Teach and Learn who helped me find the perfect gift for my Grandchildren, the person who helped me out in tough times, the Meeting Home that I was welcomed to, the Worker in my area of the province who had such a love for God and his people, but most especially she was my friend and she will ever remain my friend. And now we say good bye to her earthly life, but I am comforted knowing that Lynnza has already welcomed her into her heavenly home where we will one day meet again. My deepest sympathies to her dear family.
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Beautiful life lived out by faith in the creator and in love leaves memories of comfort of promises given of heaven. Prayers go to all the family for blessings of comfort. Lynella gave to,all who knew her,an uplifted vision of what faith can accomplish.
Marion Galbraith Lyon
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Sending our love and prayers for continued comfort, to yourself Trevor, your girls & both families. We’ve been inspired by the testimonies of both Lynza & Lynella.
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Thinking of you all at this time and thank you for making it possible for those far away to be a part of this service.
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Deepest condolences Trevor Janessa and Myrissa
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So very sorry for your loss. Lynella was a wonderful light & example to me, even as she was grieving Lynza’s death and her own cancer. She said she thought of me as family and I was honored that she did.
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Condolences to the family. So very sorry for your loss.
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With much love and deepest sympathy for you loss.
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Forever in our hearts. Your light and love will be so missed. <3
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I will always remember Lynella’s helpfulness and smile. Nothing was too difficult to find. She always remembered me when I came into the store. She will be greatly missed 😢
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Praying for your family. I’m sorry for your loss but it’s a comfort knowing Lynella and Lynza have been reunited in Heaven.
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To the family, parents of Lynella— I didn’t know Lynella, though I would’ve met her, probably in ‘95: I have known and respected the Jackson family for most my life—Gladys when I was a child… her parents, siblings when I was studying in Burnaby.. Glad for another triumphant finish among them. We want to live to be a praise to the One above. Regards, Donna Pratt, Fredericton, NB.
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We lived in Vernon in 1973 when Lynella was born, and witnessed the joy she brought to Eric and Mavis..
A faithful finish brings some comfort, but she will be greatly missed.
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I can’t imagine the heartbreak of your family. I am heartbroken myself. Mom and daughter are together again. Much love and hugs coming your way.
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Thank. you for sharing this beautiful service with us. Love to each of you.
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You will be missed greatly by not only the community of Vernon but all of BC.
Thank you for the impact you had on all of our lives
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Lynella is in heaven with Lynza rejoicing with our Lord. Everyone will miss Lynella so much. Until we meet with our Lord….
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I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear the news of Lynella’s passing. A wonderful person, amazing mother, great wife, lovely daughter, and such an inspiring woman who always greeted people with a beautiful smile.
I spoke with Lynella couple of times few weeks ago, and she was so gracious as always. I loved seeing her beautiful smile and our conversations whenever I met her.
Her kindness made Lynella such an amazing, inspiring and a beloved member of our community. She was an incredible person, who loved to help people. Lynella we love you and will miss you dearly, RIP💔.
Sending sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to Lynella’s family and friends.❤️
While joining this service virtually, I am praying for strength, and sending healing vibes to your loved ones. ((Hugs))
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Sending condolences and love to Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa and all of Lynellas extended family.I will miss Lynellas kindness, soft spoken words and hugs so much. May her soul be at peace and free of pain… God has gotten another angel. Blessings to everyone, especially her family, who was touched by Lynellas grace.
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To Trevor and family- my heart aches for you in this time of sorrow. May you find peace in Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Condolences,
Jennifer and Bob Gardner
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My condolences to all the family A great natural loss here, but she has gone home where there is no more pain or loss
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Our thoughts ans prayers are with your family. So sorry for your terrible losses.
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We are thinking of you all with love.
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We are so sorry for your losses this year. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Jackson and Henke family during these dark days. What a beautiful tribute to Lynella and a tremendous loss to your family & community.
With deepest sympathy to each of you & lots of love & care,
Laura, Jonathan, Paige & Hunter Olson
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All my love for such a difficult time. We’ve supported your business for years and continue to do so. Take care of each other 💞
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Our hearts are with you today with love and sympathy to each of you. Praying that you will have comfort in the days ahead. We care ♥️
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Deepest, sincerest condolences to all of Lynella’s family.
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My heart and prayers go to Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa and all the familly. Sending you my deepest condolences. May our Father be with you today in a special way and time to come.
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Our
thoughts and prayers
are with you and your families
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thinking of you and your family
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Our hearts are so saddened and so full of love for all of your family. We think of you often with care.
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Thinking of you all at this time.
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THINKING OF YOU……………JACKSON FAMILY
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I’m sending you much love and comfort…and lots of prayers for your strength and courage for these coming days when you have 2 big empty spots in your heart and home… Lynellas eagerness to serve others and accept new jobs and ideas will never be forgotten!!
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Dear family, no words can describe or express our sympathy and thoughts to you all. Remembering Lynella’s love for butterflies., So has her soul broken out of her earthly body to fly with heavenly beauty to her heavenly resting place. Love Marilyn and John
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Love, hugs, and prayers to the parents, kids, siblings, and husband of Lynella.
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Greatest sympathies to the whole Jackson family and Henke family in such a time of loss. May you gain strength and comfort as you journey forward. With care, Ira and Marcella Loucks (Regina, Saskatchewan)
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To Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, Eric and Mavis, also other family connections, so sorry to hear that Lynella has passed away.
With heartfelt sympathy and love.
From Merrick and Glenda Veighey.
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Our hearts and thoughts are with all the families Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, the Jackson family, the Henke and all. Of the siblings.
So thankful for Lynella’s faithful life.
Sending you are deepest condolences.
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Dear Henke & Jackson families: Many thots & prayers are coming-your-way these days of earthly-parting from your dear Lynella. May you feel our Heavenly Father’s “ARMS-of-COMFORT” around you these challenging days.
“The SORROW of PARTING can feel great indeed, BUT, the COMFORT of a LOVING MEMORY is much greater!!”
Lots of Love from betty [penticton, b.c.]
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A dear friend … heart love & prayers are with you Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, Eric & Mavis & all the family. Thankful for our God of consolation & for all the memories. Know that He will comfort & lead you safely through this time of sorrow….love, Close’s crew. Brent, Donna, Talon, & Jeff
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Dear Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, Eric, Mavis and extended family. Lynella has left you many precious memories and given us an example in her abiding faith in the God of Heaven.
Our deepest sympathy in your loss.
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Heaven has gained another angel.
Lynnella will be so missed by so many.
My heart and prayers go out to Trevor and Janessa and Marissa.
Sending you all my love all my care as you go on this journey without your mom and sister..
Love you all from Marie Lewis
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Our deep sympathy, Trevor, and all of the family. You are in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful lady!
With love and deep care,
Bob & Marilyn Benjamin
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Dear Eric & Mavis, and the extended families… We are so sorry to hear about your loss. It felt like such an honour to listen to the service of Lynza….such a dedicated young soul. And now to hear about Lynella joining her in eternity…we are comforted by knowing that she had prepared for this final step. Our loss is Heaven’s gain, in the truest form. Sending our deepest sympathy and love….Verna & Sharon Nesvog
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Dear Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, Eric and Mavis,
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this time.
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A wonderful soul and a great lady. Glad she is with her daughter now. Condolences with the family.
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Dear Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, Eric and Mavis,
So sorry for your loss of Lynella and again also of Lynza.
All the notes Lynella left on facebook, she was such an inspiration with so much she went through in life.
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Sincerest condolences to all the Henke and Jackson family.
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We are just so sorry for your loss. We pray that you will be comforted.
Sending our sincere love and care,
Matt and Sally Elley
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Sending all my love and sympathy to the families Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, Eric and Mavis, the siblings. and all. So thankful for Lynella’s faithful life, her love and friendship. She was truly an amazing lady
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RIP Lynella your path has changed and you are to be reunited with Lynza .
When we met in VJH you were an inspiration in your attitude and your faith . Sadly your recovery was not to be .
May the family’s faith carry them thru this sad time .
Marilyn & Geoff Owen
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Dear Ones –
We just want to add these few words of heartfelt sympathy & care!
There are many others who understand you loss much better, but
we just want tell you that you continue to be in our prayers – to the
One who really is there for you these days
Lovingly Fritz & Joyce
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My dear Trevor, Janessa, and Myrissa, my heart aches for you… my prayers are for you constantly. Nothing can take away precious memories you have of Mom . Mom loved God so very much and she loved you . I , too have lost a dear friend , May God’s peace and comfort be with . Love from auntie Gail,
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Your presence in this world made it a better place, you will be missed so much. My love to your entire family.
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Amazing lady…amazing life…amazing testimony of her faith.
Condolences to Trevor , Janessa, Myrissa Henke.
Our deepest sympathies to Eric and Mavis Jackson, your daughter had family values she learned as your daughter in your professing home.
Sincerely The Alfred Karras with sympathy of Torren, Talan & Zamber
Jason & Sage & family
Adam & Shera-Lee & family
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From across the world in England our thoughts and prayers are for you all at this incredibly sad time. We send our love, sympathy and condolences to you all
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Our hearts are with you all.
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Our sincere condolences to the Henke family and friends.
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I’m sending all my love all my care and all my sympathy to you, Trevor and Janessa and Marissa.
Your mom was a special person.
She will be so missed so much.
She is Heaven now with Lynza. and God is watching over them.
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Sorry to hear of your loss Trevor. Our prayers go your way. Raymond
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Lynella loved life but more importantly, loved eternal values more…. Now has safely crossed the bar and rests on Eternities shore. Will be greatly missed but all know there is comfort in knowing Gods will is best. Prayers go out to the family who will feel the loss keenly🙏❤️
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Trevor, Janessa, Myrissa, and Mavis & Eric and all Lynella’s siblings,
Our hearts go out to you!! There are really no words…..you all have know so much sorrow and yet in the midst of all the sorrow I hope you can find blessing in the experience. Our prayers are with you. We will miss Lynella.
Sheri & Jim Morton
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So sorry to hear of Lynella’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! 💕
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Thank you for being my friend. Your spirit has left such a beautiful place in my ❤️
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A dear friend in life and business..
I will miss you dearly. You’re now resting in heaven with your Daughter Lynza. Heaven has 2 angels now. May god bless you and your family. Condolences to Trevor, Jahnessa & Marissa ❤️❤️❤️
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Always a super woman in faith, home, and business. “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. Lynella, you have earned your rest for all eternity. Our condolences to all the family. We’ll all miss her.