Sr. Janet Henry RSM

Sister Janet Henry, RSM, age 83, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully on February 17, 2025, at Lankenau Hospital in Lower Merion, PA.

Janet was born on April 5, 1941, a delight to her parents, John and Emma, and her big brother, Raymond. Her Catholic faith and passion for justice were nurtured in her home and through her education at St. Barnabas Elementary School and West Philadelphia Catholic High School. Janet entered the Sisters of Mercy in September 1959, was received into the community in March 1960, and given the religious name Sister Mary Jacqueline. Degrees from Gwynedd-Mercy University and the University of Dayton prepared Janet for her twelve years of teaching both in elementary and high schools. An invitation from the Sisters of Mercy leadership to consider a healthcare internship led Janet to obtain an M.B.A. in Public Administration from Yale, New Haven. Janet’s innate intelligence, openness to challenges, and a quest for equality for all people paved the way for her next forty years in healthcare ministry. Holding various positions, including Administrator, CEO, and Vice-President in hospitals and health systems, Janet significantly impacted the evolving nature of healthcare during this time.

Janet was a source of much pride for her parents, community, and family. Loved by nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends, Janet always found time to enjoy life’s special moments with them. Janet lived the message of the prophet Micah: “Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God.” We give thanks for the gift of her life in service and love of God. May Janet rest in peace for time and eternity!

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