Mady Helena Henkel

Margarita Helena (Duyshart) Henkel
July 27, 1938 – April 4, 2025

Margarita Helena Henkel, lovingly known as “Mady,” now rests among the angels in Heaven. She passed peacefully with her children by her side in Vista, California.

Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, Mady had a joyful spirit, an unwavering love for family and friends, and a zest for life that left a lasting mark on all who knew her. She had a passion for travel, music, cooking, fashion, and could never resist a great bargain. Her gift for languages—speaking seven fluently—was remarkable, and no doubt fueled her quick wit and endearing sincerity. She was refreshingly direct, speaking with honesty and heart, and always said exactly what she meant, with love and sometimes with a playful flip of the bird.

Professionally, Mady worked as a pharmacy technician for over 30 years—a role she embraced with pride and passion. Though she had originally planned to become a pharmacist, marriage and the demands of caring for her family required her to set aside her education. Still, she found great fulfillment in her work, especially in the relationships she built with those she served. She loved connecting with people from all walks of life—including the occasional notable figure—and took genuine joy in helping others with care, compassion, and a sharp attention to detail.

At 57, Mady retired with her husband to Pahrump, Nevada, where they spent 28 years in a home she adored. She fully embraced the spirit of Nevada, often delighting in the thrill of chasing four aces—or, if the cards weren’t quite right, happily settling for any four of a kind. She was loved and deeply respected by her local community. Her presence was a constant source of comfort and strength, and her absence will be felt by many whose lives she touched over the years.

Her family will always remember her “happy face” smile with the scent of Nivea, Mentos in her purse, her dainty feet, unforgettable Indonesian dishes, her candid humor, and unconditional love.

Mady was preceded in death by her parents, Theodoor Duyshart and Antoinette Jansen, and her beloved husband, John Henkel. She is survived by her children: John Grego (Christine), Lizzy Butterwick (Jay), Shirley Wreaks (Tweed), Robert Grego (Victoria), Carl Henkel (Helen), and Lori Frauenhofer (David).

Her legacy lives on through her 34 grandchildren—Mark, Michelle, Lizzie, Nathan, Charlene, Ragan, Austin, Ryan, Lauren, Mia, Mason, Karlie, Frankie, the late Carl James, RoseMary, Joseph, Samuel, Bethany, Melody, Emily, Gloria, Joanna, Sarah, Susannah, Debbie, Phillip, the late Joshua, Stephen, Daniel, Timothy, Hannah, Esther, Caleb, Lydia—and 31.5 great-grandchildren: Isabella, Michael, Majoli, Eliana, Anthony, Lucy, Asher, Isla, Abigail, Anabelle, Jose, Andrew, Noah, Leah, Jake, Rachel, Emma, Logan, Shae, the late Ricky, Evelyina, Teagan, Remi, Wade, Ariah, Ember, Herbie, Liam, Mila, Kai, Conrad, and one more on the way—affectionately known (for now) as “Grego to be.”

Mady wished for a private celebration of life with her immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to:

Calvary Chapel of Pahrump Valley — Homeless Ministry
https://www.calvarychapelpahrump.org/give

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mady Helena Henkel, please visit our floral store.