Obituary of Aileen Donnelly Mangan Henningsen

Aileen (Donnelly, Mangan) Henningsen, age 91, of Glastonbury, died Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Glastonbury Health Care Center surrounded by a loving, caring and committed staff. Born in Hartford, CT, the daughter of the late James and Johanna (Dennehy) Donnelly, she was predeceased by her former spouses, Thomas Mangan and Olav Henningsen.  Her spirit is carried on by her children, Thomas Mangan, Johanna Paradis and her husband Roland, James Mangan, Timothy Mangan and his wife Janice; 6 grandchildren, Brendan Paradis and his wife Elizabeth, Chandler Paradis and his wife Marisa, Jillian Mangan, Mallory Mangan, Daniel Mangan and Brian Mangan; 2 great grandchildren, Ryan Paradis and Annie Paradis, and many nieces and nephews. Aileen was a fiercely independent, intelligent and resourceful woman who raised 4 successful children as a single mother after her first husband passed away suddenly in 1961.  Her family will never forget her oft-repeated mantra “I’ll be damned if I’m going to let this stop me.” Aileen was a life-long learner, graduating from Bulkeley High School, Hartford, CT, Class of ’45.  She attended secretarial school after graduation and ultimately worked for the U.S. Department of Defense.  Upon retirement, she allowed all her innate interests to bloom and attended Manchester Community College where she earned an Associate’s degree. She was not bound by convention and created a full and varied life of personal awareness and growth.  She was a well-known speaker who shared her experience, strength and hope at Al-Anon meetings.  She was also active in the community and volunteered at organizations including prison outreach, a shelter for battered women, Hospice and Foodshare, among many others.  Aileen was a spiritual seeker who was comforted by her faith. She embraced many different ecumenical experiences ultimately becoming an active member of the First Church of Christ in Glastonbury. She also was a voracious reader, sometimes having 4-6 books going at once on a wide variety of topics ranging from non-fiction and fiction, to religion and her absolute favorite, self-help books.  She was passionate about music, taking up the piano at the age of 40, and painting, improving her craft through classes and memberships at local art guilds. Aileen lived a long fruitful and creative life. She will be missed by all who had the great fortune to know her. There will be a private graveside service for the family at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT.  Memorial donations may be made to a local library of your choice.