River Falls, WI – Loving mother, grandmother and friend, Henrietta Mae Ness, affectionately known as “Hank,” passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the age of 87, at the Sycamore Memory Center in River Falls, WI.
Born July 24, 1938, in Iron Mountain, MI, to Henry and Ann Goulette, Henrietta learned the values of hard work, faith, and serving others from her parents. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1956 and earned her degree in Social Work from the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, where she was voted “All College Woman” in 1960.
Henrietta married William Ness on August 13, 1960, after he proposed on their third date. Together, they built a life in Thief River Falls, where they raised five children, formed lasting friendships, and became active members of the community.
After earning her master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance, Henrietta served as director of the Occupational Development Center, supporting adults with disabilities. In 2002, Hank and Bill moved to Hudson, WI, where their home overlooking the St. Croix River became a gathering place for family and friends.
Known for her gap-toothed smile, warmth, and sense of humor, Hank had a remarkable gift for connecting with people and making everyone feel valued. She was an encouraging mother and grandmother who fostered creativity and a love of adventure. Even as Alzheimer’s disease took her memories in later years, her sweet disposition and kindness never wavered.
Henrietta was preceded in death by her husband, William; parents, Henry and Ann Goulette; sister, Arlene Nolan; and grandson, Ryan Mattison.
She is survived by sisters, Doreen Meade and Maria Smith; her children, Gregory (Karyn) Ness, Teresa (James) Mattison, Jon Ness, Jeffrey (Naomi) Ness, and Rachel (Scott) Berger; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
The Ness family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Sycamore Memory Center for making Henrietta a cherished member of their community while preserving her dignity, and to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care during her final days.
Visitation will be held from 10–11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St, Hudson, WI 54016.
A service will follow at 11 a.m., and a small lunch will be served at noon.
If you are unable to attend her service, it will be live-streamed on her obituary page on O’Connell Funeral Homes website: www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Croix Hospice, Attn: Henrietta Ness Memorial Donation, 7200 Hudson Boulevard, Suite 100, Oakdale, MN 55128.
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