Mildred Marie Henan, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on June 26, 2025. Born on September 30, 1948, in Fort Washakie, Wyoming, Marie was a proud member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and spent her early years surrounded by a close-knit family and community. She carried her cultural heritage and deep sense of connection with her throughout her life, always guided by warmth, humor, resilience, and a generous heart.
Marie was a dedicated educator, artist, and advocate. After graduating from Pine Bluffs High School in 1966, she pursued higher education and she worked on civil rights and Native American affairs matters with the City of Denver. Her teaching career spanned decades and states, from Colorado to New Mexico, where she brought Native representation into her classrooms and art. She earned both a bachelor's and master’s degree in education and used her gifts to inspire and uplift her students and community.
She will be remembered for her 'corn' jokes, love for chocolate and mochas, beautiful beadwork, and deep affection for her grandchildren and grand-dogs. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and cultural pride lives on through the countless lives she touched.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 3:00pm, at the St. David’s Episcopal Church/Robert’s Episcopal Mission at Fort Washakie, Wyoming, with a traditional feast to follow. All are welcome to attend and honor her memory.
https://www.afterall.com/obituaries/d-20562586/los-lunas-new-mexico/mildred-marie-henan/june-2025
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to your local PBS as Marie loved and supported free public programming, including First Nations Experience (FNX). Alternatively, please consider supporting local teachers in donating classroom supplies or other teacher items for school classrooms to support public education.