Kristin Elizabeth Bailey Henry

Kristin Henry

Kristin Elizabeth Bailey Henry passed away on December 7, 2019 in Bellevue, Washington.

Kristin was born on March 15, 1939 in Raymond, WA. She was the second child (and only daughter) of Genevieve and Lawrence Bailey. A life-long fan of Shakespeare, she always loved the thought that her birthday fell on the “ides of March.”

Whether caring for her family and friends, pursuing her writing, or involvement in her church, Kristin pursued her passions with enthusiasm and vigor. She played an active role in the lives of her two sons, encouraging their strengths, nurturing them through difficulties, and acting as an honest and compassionate sounding board.

As a lover of literature and the arts she wrote tirelessly, turning out works of fiction and poetry. As a lover of music and ritual, she was involved throughout her life in her church, singing in the choir, sharing her poetry and thinking deeply about her religious beliefs and their role in her life. As a lover of community, she reached out to those around her, holding them in her compassion during times of need.

As her family grew up and became more independent, Kristin longed to share her skills and enthusiasm for learning with the greater community. In the early 1980s she started working in public schools, and by the 1990s she was tutoring struggling students at Seattle Academy of Arts and Science (SAAS). Kristin also took on private tutoring students around this time. As a teacher at SAAS, she founded their Language Skills program, which continues to serve students today. Kristin also became involved is the International Dyslexia Association and was a regular speaker at their conferences. Through her teaching career, she was a touchstone for many students, always eager to offer them sage advice within and beyond the bounds of academics, and positively impacting the rest of their lives.

At the age of 67, showing characteristic spunk, Kristin enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program through Pacific Lutheran University and graduated when she was 71. In the process, she enthusiastically pursued her passion, writing prolifically. Her works included poetry, literary research and critique, and fiction. She continued to pursue publication of her work, too, and eventually had several poems and other material published in a variety of periodicals.

Kristin passed away on December 7, 2019 after a long and difficult struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She is dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all she touched.

Kristin was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister-in-law, Maxine Bailey. She is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Ken Henry, her sons Eric Henry (Ann) and David Henry (Diane), her grandchildren Forrest, Grace and Livi, and her brother Larry Bailey, as well as by her nephew Mark Bailey (Kim) and niece Ann Compton (Dick).

A memorial service will be held for Kristin at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Bellevue, 2650 148th Ave. SE, on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, those withing to do so may donate in her memory to: The Humane Society, International Dyslexia Association, or the Alzheimer’s Association.