SHIRLEY Orionto Henry, former owner of Modern Furnishing Company, is dead.

Henry died yesterday after a brief battle with cancer. She was the sole proprietor of the iconic local furniture manufacturing company for more than three decades after her husband, prominent businessman Leo Henry, was murdered in 1974.

“This strong, independent, beautiful and compassionate woman, who many came to love, respect and admire, lived a quiet life which was filled with music, art, books and exercise — all of which she enjoyed with a host of select friends canvassing all age groups from all around the world,” close friend Alveta Knight told the Jamaica Observer. “She leaves to cherish her memories many friends and family.”

Henry was also predeceased by her son and only child Leo Paul, who died suddenly in 2001.

Modern Furnishing was sold in 2008 to the Azar family, owners of LP Azar Limited. Henry said at the time that the decision to sell the company was partly due to the fact that the economic environment for local furniture manufacturers had become increasingly difficult over the years. The company, known for its high-end mahogany furniture, like other indigenous producers in the industry, suffered from high interest rates and burdensome red tape which made it difficult to compete.

“I think the business is hardly affordable anymore; when we tried the lower-end market it didn’t work for us because our name was built more on the high-end,” Henry said back then.

“The duties, high interest rates and everything was just not sustainable anymore; it was just not feasible,” she added.

Knight said details on Henry’s thanksgiving service will be forthcoming.