When Belmont resident and author John Skerchock first heard the news about the death of television legend Florence Henderson on Thursday, he could not believe it.

"I was really stunned," Skerchock said. "I get most of my news through Facebook, and when that story came up, I thought, 'No way.' "Skerchock was particularly struck with emotion, as he had actually met Henderson in 2007 while visiting the Retirement Living TV studios. While visiting his old friend Daniel Roebuck - an actor who came from Bethlehem - in California, the pair got the chance to see Henderson and Bob Newhart at the old stage once used for "I Love Lucy.""Florence was starting a new TV show for the RLTV channel, geared toward the baby boomers," Skerchock said. That program would eventually become "The Florence Henderson Show," an RLTV favorite that ran until 2009.Henderson passed away on Thursday, the result of sudden heart failure. She had been in the spotlight for her entire life, with her mother teaching her to sing at the age 2. After starring in stage productions including "Oklahoma!" and "South Pacific," she became more involved with television. Henderson appeared in The United States Steel Hour's musical presentation of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," was a frequent guest host on "The Tonight Show" with Jack Paar, and a well-known "Today Girl" on the "Today Show."In 1969 she took on her most memorable role as Carol Brady, which lasted for 117 episodes. Her career continued with many more guest starring roles, appearances as Mrs. Brady, several movies, and additional plays. Most recently, she had been hosting "Who's Cooking with Florence Henderson," a popular part of the RLTV lineup.Skerchock and Roebuck got a tour of the set from Henderson, who posed for a picture with them as well. Skerchock was incredibly appreciative of the sneak peek, as he had always held an interest in the behind-the-scenes aspect of television and filmmaking. And to get the tour from Mrs. Brady herself was just the icing on the cake.Skerchock, a retired state police trooper, was not often overwhelmed with meeting celebrities. In fact, he had personally interviewed plenty of them. His book "Zombies, Monsters, and Maidens" is a collection of encounters with landmark members of the horror genre. Meeting Henderson, a pinnacle TV icon of his childhood, was a special experience in and of itself."It was thrilling to meet her. She was very gracious, very nice to talk to. I was very surprised to see how short she was, though," he said with a laugh.Though Henderson is gone, she will always be remembered as the pivotal TV mom, the quintessential matron of a generation. Even when he met her in her mid-70s, Skerchock said that particular image still showed through."She didn't look her age," he said. "She always looked like she did in the '60s, like Mrs. Brady."