Janet Eileen Beman Hendrickson of Bridgehampton died on August 6, 2019, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Hendrickson was born and raised in Blauvelt, New York. One of eight children, she was exceptionally talented academically and after graduating from high school she went on to study nursing at the University of Buffalo. She volunteered with AmeriCorps Vista and, after marrying Richard H. Hendrickson and moving to Bridgehampton, she was proud to be the head of the East End’s chapter of the National Organization for Women. She worked tirelessly for civil rights and equality for all people. She enjoyed helping the community and creating environments where people from all backgrounds could intermingle and share experiences. She passed these values and passions down to her three daughters, Rachel Green, Leah Hendrickson, and Sara Pride.
She spent the majority of her working years at community-centered organizations. She worked at the Bridgehampton Childcare Center when her daughters were little so she could be at home when they got out of school. She was a mainstay at Dan’s Papers for almost 20 years, creating numerous friendships with her colleagues and being “mom” to many of her coworkers. In her retirement, she joined The Bridgehampton Association and put her book knowledge, love of jewelry-making and crafts, and organization skills to work fundraising for charity. She deeply appreciated the friendships created at the association and looked forward with much excitement to creating items for the holiday fundraisers. She enjoyed her garden and photographing her flowers, painting plaster figurines, making jewelry, and spending time with her family. She loved to dance and knew all the words to just about any song that came on. She was fierce and fiery with an acerbic wit and a bold sense of humor, and, survivors said, she gave the best hugs.
She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Eileen Beman; her elder brother, Richard; her younger brother, Michael; and her husband, Richard. She is survived by her three daughters, Rachel, Leah, and Sara; as well as her sisters, Barbara, Tia, Cathy, and Nancy; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 21, at 1:30 p.m., to coincide with International Peace Day. A repast will directly follow at the Presbyterian Church in Bridgehampton.
Flowers, condolences, and donations may be sent to Hendrickson at Box 451, Jamesport, NY 11947. Call 631-255-3964 with any questions.
Staff Writer on Sep 16, 2019