Agnes Mary Henley

Our “Rose of Tralee”

Agnes “Una” Henley (nee Sugrue), 90-years of age, beloved mother of 11 children, and devoted wife of Jess Willard Henley, entered eternal life on Sunday, August 10, 2014, at her home in McLean, Virginia. She passed away from natural causes.

Her beauty, wonderful art of storytelling, her unwavering faith in God, and her great sense of humor, brought joy to everyone who knew her.

Una was born on March 16, 1924 in Tralee, Ireland to Patrick and Ellen Sugrue. As a “war bride” Una married Jess W. Henley on October 18, 1944. The couple initially resided in Bordentown, New Jersey and started a family, which eventually grew to 11 children. Some of the other residences over the years included Hot Springs, AR, Severna Park, MD and Odenton, MD. For the past 40 years, Una has resided in McLean, VA.

Una was known for her ease of conversation or as the Irish like to say “the gift of the gab”, and a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and kind demeanor that personified her “Irish Charm”. Her gift of joy and remembering will never be forgotten. She was devoted to her children; she gave them all she had, a tireless, wonderful, loving mother.

Una is survived by 10 of her children, Desmond Henley of Fort Lauderdale, FL., Deirdre Ohler of Parker, CO., Brian Henley of Severna Park, MD, Laura de Armond of Las Vegas, NV, Mary Henley of Grasonville, MD, Patricia Frasier of Reston, VA., Geraldine Drake of Fairfax, VA, Joseph Henley of McLean, VA, William Henley of Trappe, MD, and John Paul Henley of Annandale, VA. She is predeceased by her fourth child, Michael Henley and her husband, Lt. Col. Jess W. Henley, U.S. Army. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Una is survived by her youngest sibling, Anna Rose Tuer of Vancouver, Canada.

Her Mass of the Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Fort Myers Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of her love for children, please send donations to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Please include Tribute # 36467141 or call 1-800-873-6983.

Arrangements under the direction of Murphy Falls Church Funeral Home, Falls Church, Virginia.