Laura Elizabeth Henke (Lehner)
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Rochester: Laura Elizabeth (Lehner) Henke, a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away suddenly on April 11, 2026, at the age of 59.
Born on October 31, 1966, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, Laura brought a spark of joy to the world from day one. Her family returned home to Rochester, NY upon completion of her father’s service in the United States Air Force. She attended St. Charles Borromeo parochial school and later was a proud graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from SUNY Fredonia and later a Master’s in Special Education from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY.
Laura’s career was defined by her compassion for those with special needs and she dedicated her life to the service of others. She began her career as a special education and itinerant teacher before making the selfless decision to pause her professional life to help care for her nephew and niece until they reached school age—a wonderful testament to her deep devotion to family. Upon returning to the workforce, she continued her advocacy through impactful roles at SKIP of NY, Heritage Christian Services, and the Center for Disability Rights. Most recently, she served as a dedicated Care Coordinator at Prime Care Coordination.
Beyond her professional achievements, Laura was a woman of who loved great adventures and being surrounded by those she loved. She was an avid reader, a lover of local festivals, and the undisputed heart of game nights and friend gatherings. A steadfast New York Yankees fan, she delighted in a friendly rivalry with her nephew ( a Red Sox fan) over her favorite team. She loved to travel, most recently enjoying a Caribbean cruise this past February with her husband, Andrew. She enjoyed many great trips and vacations with family and friends over the years.
Laura’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Andrew Henke and his parents, Ralph and Joanne Henke; her brothers in law, David (Julie) Henke and Michael (Mon) Henke and niece Jajha; her parents, William (Bill) and Marilyn (McGuire) Lehner; her brother, Raymond (Julianne) Lehner; her sister, Julie (Michael) Pettee; her Great Aunt Sara Jane (Sally) Smith and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was the world’s proudest aunt to her nephew, Cameron Pettee, and niece, Delaney Pettee, both of whom she adored beyond measure.
She was preceded in death by her infant brother, William Raymond Lehner (April 12, 1964); her grandparents, William (Bill) and Helen Lehner, and Raymond (Mac) and Margaret (Peg) McGuire; Uncles, John McGuire and David Manning; and cousin Timothy Manning.
Laura’s legacy of kindness and her unwavering love for her family will be forever cherished by all who knew her.
Friends may call Monday (April 20th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday (April 21st) 10:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Greece. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Challenger Miracle Field or Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp in her memory.
My heartfelt condolences to Laura’s husband, Andrew; Laura’s parents, sister, brother and family. I met Laura through my daughter, Paula Beaman. I have many memories of Laura. Paula always told me about their adventures together. Laura will be missed, but always in my heart. With love and prayers, Beverly Beaman (Byron, GA).
My heart is broken for you Lehner family. She was a lovely woman and will be dearly missed. Love and hugs to you all. – Stephanie Konkus Cost and Family
My heart goes out to the Pettee family and Laura’s husband and his family!
What a lovely, compassionate, helpful caregiver she was!
Sending my prayers to Laura’s family. I met Laura 2 years ago as my brother ‘s Care Manager. I knew right away she was special. She was so caring, very involved and so personable. Laura was definitely one of a kind and a blessing to our family. We will truly miss her.
I’m so sorry to hear this. May God grant you peace and strength.
I have so many memories of Laura, Julie and Raymond coming over with their mom, Marilyn, to our house to go swimming. And recently seeing Laura and Andrew at all of the local festivals where I was a vendor. She ALWAYS stopped by to say hi and chat. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God watch over you and your angel Laura be forever in your hearts.
In 1998, I attended my first Odyssey event, a brainstorming session for young adult Catholics in Rochester. Although I was anxious, that day I met Laura Lehner, who became a kind, generous, and caring friend.
Over the next 28 years, Laura truly valued our friendship. Together we traveled, danced, celebrated holidays and milestones, and shared both laughter and tears She was a wonderful listener and a steadfast companion throughout my life.
While I deeply wish we had another 28 years together, she was taken much too soon. I will think of her whenever I am on a cruise or at the beach. I know our souls will meet again, and I know we will share another voyage or swim in the ocean together.
We are very sorry and saddened to hear of Laura’s sudden passing. Laura was my son Andrew’s care coordinator for several years. She was very caring and compassionate and she will be missed by our family. Our deepest condolences to her family as well.
Susan and Charles Gruner
My deepest condolences. I am so saddened to hear of Laura’s sudden passing. We attended St. Charles, and Cardinal Mooney together and recently reconnected. Laura shared how much she loved ro travel. I’m happy that she had many fun traveling experiences. She was a very caring person that helped people with her daily work. She shared how much her husband and family meant to her and loved being an Aunt and helping with the kids. I am happy I had the opportunity to reconnect with Laura. She will be missed🙏❤️
My heartfelt condolences. It’s especially hard when someone is taken at 59.