Florence Rome Garrett

Florence Rome Garrett, 92, of Hebron, formerly of Bridgewater, wife of the late Elmer E. Garrett, died Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at the Windham Hospital. She was born September 10, 1912 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of George and Blanche (Smith) Rome. She was a prolific writer, particularly of poetry, publishing more than 10 books, the latest, "More Than All" in 2001. Her book "The Mill and Us" chronicled her and her husband's restoration of the Red Mill in Bridgewater. Florence was the granddaughter of Thomas Rome, publisher of the first edition of Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" and was an expert on the works of Walt Whitman. She is survived by two children and their spouses, James and Linda Garrett of Marlborough, CT, Susan and Alva Taylor of Natick, MA, three grandchildren, Ann McAuliffe, Rebecca Granatini and Jonathan Garrett, six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson, Stephen Morgan. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the South Cemetery, Bridgewater. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity International, Attn. Gifts from the Heart, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498. Please visit www.potterfh.com for directions and online memorial guestbook.