Obituary of Sarah Henderson

Sarah Henderson, also known by many as Sadie, passed away peacefully at her home in Rocklin, CA at the age of 90 on August 8th, 2023. Born Sarah McGrath in Dundee, Scotland, Sadie moved with her husband Noel, and their four children to California in 1963. It was difficult to leave the huge family in Scotland, she was #9 of 10 children, but it was easier knowing her brothers John, Frank, and sister Betty were already there with their families. Her family and children Brian, Audrey, Boyd, and Stuart were her priority, and moving to the USA was the opportunity for financial success and a better life. Several years later, she found herself as a single mom with four children to support. She worked at the Ben Franklin store as a cashier and at The Travel Lodge as a maid. She would ride her red vintage bike to work as she didn’t have a driver's license.

A neighbor introduced her to the LDS church. She and her children were baptized, and this gave her great comfort and direction as a single mom. She enjoyed many callings in the church, her favorite was as a Stake Missionary for 25 years. She attended church every Sunday and visited the Mormon Temple once a month with other ward members to stay close to the Lord and do his work.

Sadie studied nutrition and worked as a dietary cook at Alexian Brothers Hospital in San Jose for 32 years. She loved the staff and her co-workers, and they all loved her. She was the social photographer for the newsletter, and we always attended the picnics and special employee days with Mom.

She retired early and opened her own daycare, “Sadie’s Angels”. Caring for children was her passion and having her own home daycare was her dream; she believed and made it happen. Her garage was converted into a playroom and her backyard was a child's dream play yard, with every riding toy, slide, and pull wagon you could imagine. The parents had a tough time getting the kids to leave when it was time to go home! This was Sadie’s happiness, it supported other working mothers, while also being able to enjoy more time with her own grandchildren. She ran her business records with precision, served nutritious meals, provided books and arts and crafts daily, and got voted Best Daycare by the county 5 years in a row.

As her children moved out of the Bay Area to the Rocklin area, she followed and purchased her own home in Springfield, a wonderful retirement community. She loved her home and the location at the top of the hill; it reminded her of the Highlands in Scotland. She was happy being closer to the family and being together for all holidays and celebrations. Her new LDS ward greeted her with open arms, and she continued to accept callings as a Visiting Teacher, Sunday School teacher, and caring for the little ones in the Primary Nursery during church meetings. Many of the youth still visited her to help with yard work and bring her cards and flowers “just because”, and always on the holidays. A few days before Christmas there would be a knock on the door, with families and their children caroling. She loved having visitors, and always had a supply of sweets and cookies to be enjoyed.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Noel Henderson, son Brian, parents Mary and Joseph McGrath, brothers Eddie, Joseph, and John, and sisters Ellen, Ester, Mary, Betty, and Jennie. Sadie is survived by her children Audrey (Larry) Ullman, Boyd (Sharon), and Stuart, brother Frank (Evelyn) McGrath, nephew Scott (Debi) McGrath, niece Iris (Roger) Illes, and her amazing Scottish family across the ocean. Her grandchildren are Jason, Chris, Heather, Michelle, Stephanie, Sarah, and Bradley. Great grandchildren Gracie, Tucker, Emma, and Joseph. All were embraced by her huge heart, loving arms, and beautiful smile.

The funeral service and reception will be held on Saturday, September 16^th at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2831 Theona Way, Rocklin CA 95765