Rose Marie Farrington of 92 Front St., Noank, died on Saturday, Oct 18, 2014 at her Noank home of 50 years. Her family was by her side. Rose was born in Chicago, IL on July 10, 1930 to Sophie and Henry Manes.
Rose earned her bachelor's degree in Speech Correction from Grinnell College, IA, and her Master’s degree in Library Science from Simmons College, MA. She started her professional career as a Speech Therapist. Thereafter, she was drawn to educational services and dedicated her professional life to the Groton Public School System. Over the course of 28 years Rose was a librarian/media specialist at the Noank Elementary School and at the Central Office. She promoted reading and the love of books to students and had an uncanny knack of selecting the right book that would appeal to the child and excite their curiosity. When Rose was at the Central Office, she was instrumental in the selection of relevant media which was to be distributed throughout the various schools in the system. After retirement, Rose was inducted into the Groton Educator's Hall of Fame, which highlights her dedication and accomplishments.?
First and foremost Rose was dedicated to her family. None of the wonderful backpacking, skiing or boating adventures would have taken place without the many hours Rose spent planning and preparing for each trip.
Rose was also involved in community organizations: Auxiliary of Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Ct. and Our Shoreline Community Association, which her husband, Don, assisted in establishing. Rose was an avid gardener, reader and enjoyed activities with friends and family including her much-loved book club, card-playing group and French-speaking circle. Rose was a food enthusiast, a bird watcher, and an active exerciser at the Groton Senior Center. Rose loved history, art and travel, and she and her husband visited family in California and France, and toured such places as Italy, Greece, Ireland, England, Puerto Rico, Arizona and New Mexico with close friends.?
Rose was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Donald S. Farrington. She is survived by her children, David and his wife, LĂ©opoldine of Bordeaux, France, Judith "Jody" Farrington of Noank, and Jennifer and her husband, Raymond Hoffmann, of Ridgecrest, CA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Kristen, Sophie, Amanda, Z.J., and Eden.?
A memorial service is planned for November 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at her church, All Souls Unitarian Congregation, 19 Jay St., New London.?
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "GOSA" (Groton Open Space Association) at P.O. Box 9187, Groton, CT 06340 or "OSCA"(Our Shoreline Community Association) at P.O. Box 287, West Mystic, CT 06388.
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