Henrietta Rosemary Quist Farmer

FARMER, Henrietta Henrietta Rosemary Quist Farmer died peacefully at home September 4, 2007, at 82 years of age, joining her beloved husband of 44 years, Leonard V. who passed away in 2000. She was predeceased by her sister Cornelia Dupont, formerly of Manchester and is survived by her sister Helen Fitt of Springfield, MA. She leaves to cherish her memory, three children: a daughter Susan Fox of Las Vegas, NV, son Gary Birge and wife Ellen Bang of Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, MA, and son Leonard Farmer, Jr. of Hartford. She also leaves five grandchildren; Nigel Rathbun and his wife Susanna Lankheet of Fennville, MI, Lucas Birge of San Rafael, CA, Thomas Quist Birge of Chico, CA, Samantha Leurey of Las Vegas, NV, and Erik Bang-Birge of Boston, MA. Her grandson baby Stephen Leurey pre-deceased her. Her four great grandchildren; Andrew Rathbun, serving with the Marines in Iraq, Cheyenne, Dakota and Noah Rathbun also survive her. Henrietta was born January 22, 1925 in Hartford to Marinus Henry Quist and Rose Mary Grohacka Quist, hard working, proud immigrants who taught her trust and respect, love and morality. Henrietta graduated from Hartford Public High School and worked various jobs before attending nights at the University of Hartford, earning a Bachelor of Arts at age 40. She taught English at Lewis Fox Middle Schools in Hartford for 25 years, earning ?Teacher of the Year? honors twice. Henrietta returned to night school to earn a Masters Degree in Education. She was active in the Hartford Federation of Teachers, serving as Treasurer for many years, and taught classes at Hartford College for Women, encouraging and inspiring women of all ages. Etta believed in and fought for civil rights, women?s rights, and senior?s rights, and the dignity of all beings, offering others empathy, kindness and understanding. She loved ?the shore?, the sun, her garden, feeding the family, reading biographies, and dozens of family pets. After retirement, Etta immersed herself into gardening with the same passion that she lived life, inspiring her husband who also embraced the hobby. Her presence among us will be truly missed. Donations can be made to the CT Humane Society, or to the Friends of Elizabeth Park. Private family services will be held. Online messages of remembrance and sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Henrietta Rosemary Quist Farmer

January 22, 1925 - September 4, 2007