Madeleine Hennessy

Madeleine "Pat" Hennessy died Sunday, November 11, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Madeleine Patricia Hennessy was born April 28, 1933 to John and Eva (Herchenbach) Klassen, on the family farm east of St. Bernard, NE, where she attended St. Bernard School through the eighth grade.

She was united in marriage to Francis James Hennessy on June 12, 1951 in St. Bernard. Pat and Francis farmed in rural Platte Center.

Sewing was a mainstay in Pat's life. She began sewing outfits for her children and later for her grandchildren. After being a housewife for many years, she took on employment in alterations of fine clothing including bridal gowns and mens suites. She learned to quilt for others and began creating dozens of her own for her grandchildren. She was a parish member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Platte Center, Altar and Rosary Society. She was a 4-H Leader and taught her skills to many others, as well as to her daughters. Pat loved playing cards, baking, gardening and spending time with her family.

Pat is survived by her children: Geri Hennessy-Lantz (Pat Lantz) of Platte Woods, MO; Kathy (Gene) Cary of Lincoln, NE; Jim (Denise) Hennessy of Denton, NE; Lori (Aaron) Caldwell of Lincoln, NE; Lisa (Todd) Bender of Condon, MT, and Dale (Julie) Hennessy of Stromsburg, NE. Brother: Tony Klassen of Lindsay, NE; Sisters: Ruth Schumacher of Madison, NE and Ceil McGill of Walnut, CA.
17 Grandchildren
13 Great-grandchildren
1 Great-great grandchild

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Francis J. Hennessy; four brothers, Thomas, Edward, Raymond and Ralph; two sisters: Mary Ann and Marjorie; one grandson, Neil Cary and one great-grandson, Beckham Gist.