Laura Elizabeth Henke (Lehner)

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 20^th) 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.