Anne Schofield Groo

December 29, 1947 - August 9, 2022

Anne Schofield Groo died on August 9, 2022 due to complications during heart surgery.

The oldest of five daughters, Anne was born on December 29, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware to Richard and Jane (Rayner) Groo. She lived the majority of her life in Newark, DE graduating from Newark High School in 1965. In 2001 Anne achieved her goal of graduating college (Wilmington University) with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and becoming an elementary school teacher. Despite having a short teaching career, she felt that this was her most important and enjoyable professional endeavor.

Anne was active in volunteering at the Newark Senior Center as well as an elementary school tutor. She was President of the New Century Club of Newark several times and was on the Board of the Newark Historical Society. Anne was a member of the Newark Area Welfare Committee following in her mother’s footsteps. Her hobbies included hanging out with her grandchildren, reading, going to the movies and baking. Anne loved spending time at her family’s cottage in Lewes, Delaware. She visited all 50 states and traveled in Europe.

Anne is survived by her children: Andrew (Cathy) Kennard of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Michael (Whitney) Richardson of Covesville, VA, Kimberly (David) Thiebeau of Telford, PA, Matthew (Mary) Richardson of York, SC; her former spouse, Frank Richardson, who was her loving companion for the past 17 years; four grandchildren: Shelby Grace and Molly Anne Thiebeau of Telford, PA and Christopher Emory and Ian Michael Kennard of Mt. Pleasant, MI; sisters: Deborah G. Mellor of Chadds Ford, PA, Lisa Groo of Blue Hill, ME, Virginia (John) Tracey of Weatogue, CT, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Anne was predeceased by her sister Jeanne Ellen, as well as her brother-in-law Christopher C. Mellor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newark Area Welfare Committee, or the Newark Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program.

There will be a Memorial Service held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St, Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 am.

RT Foard

Earl and Susan (Harrell) Whaley

Chris and Karl Swenson

Sarah Azevedo

Marylee Murphy

Roberts Sandra

Carolyn Monroe

Beth and Roger McMeekin

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Anne Schofield Groo died on August 9, 2022 due to complications during heart surgery. The oldest of five daughters, Anne was born on December 29, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware to Richard and Jane (Rayner) Groo. She lived the majority of her life in Newark, DE graduating from Newark High School in 1965. In 2001 AnneContinue Reading

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To the Groo Family, Earl and I were so sorry to hear about Anne. We met her at her Dad's funeral many years ago. We are sending our prayers and love to the entire family. God Bless you all. Earl (CHS 1972) and Susan (Harrell) Whaley (CHS 1971) Sebastian, Florida

We weep at the loss of Anne. She showed us so much life in the times we were together.

Anne was an amazing person and an ever-constant presence in my life from my earliest memories. I am deeply saddened by her loss, and I’m so sorry for the sadness I know her family and close friends are all experiencing. She made a tremendous impact on everyone who knew her, her absence leaves a huge void, and she won’t be forgotten!

I'll never forget Anne calling a quiche a quickie Laverne she was a dear sweet person I will miss our talks

Oh no, just found out about Anne. Now just 3 Queens. I know I met her when Ernie was renovating a house in Lewes in 1988. Spent a lot of time that summer on the Bay behind your cottage. I visited her last year while in Newark to give her a painting of your Lewes cottage. She was very nice and kind. So sorry for your loss.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The photo (which hopefully will appear) was taken the last time I saw my cousin Anne, in October of 2019. Only Toby is missing from this gathering of the Groo cousins. I wish I had many more photos like it, taken over the years at different stages of our lives, but for reasons that I (and Anne) could never figure out, we didn't see that much of each other as kids, and not at all as adults until later in life. The good part of the story is that we did find each other later in life, and got to enjoy some great times together. I learned a lot about our family from Anne, and always found much to appreciate in her wry observations. It saddens me greatly to realize that there won't be any more time sitting on the porch with her, but I'll always be grateful for what we had, and for the chance to know my cousin Anne.
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I have really two memories of my cousin Anne - the first is very distant and quite vague, as it was probably over 50 years ago. Anne's father was my Uncle Dick, brother to my father, and I have hazy memories of visiting and being visited by my four girl cousins, Anne, Debbie, Ginny, and Toby - they are hazy not just because it was over 50 years ago, but I was an 8-10 year old boy surrounded by girls, and I'm quite sure I had no idea what to do about it, other than to bear up under the chaos of it all. My other memory of Anne is from recent years, when I rekindled my relationship with who I call the Groo Girlz - I moved to Lewes, DE about 5 years ago, and lo and behold, ran into them by happenstance, and what a wonderful, happy happenstance it was. Since, then, I have visited with them at the Groo beach cottage, having happy hour on the beach at sunset, sitting on the screen porch shooting the breeze, and sharing dinners and other good times. It's almost impossible to separate Anne from those happy moments, catching up on life, laughing, and just appreciating what a gift it is to share life with people you love. Anne, as are all of her sisters, was a sweet, funny, inquisitive and wholly wonderful person, and I count myself truly fortunate to have been able to spend the last few years rekindling that fond relationship that began in the long distant past. When my cousin Ginny called me to tell me about Anne's passing, she said, "The four Queens are no more." And that is because one Queen has gotten her eternal crown, and may she be at peace for all time, God bless Anne.

Dear Family of Anne, It was with sadness that I read of Anne’s passing. I will always remember Anne fondly. I worked with Anne as a second grade teacher at Brookside School. We shared many outside recesses and talks. Anne was a kind and hard working teacher. I send my love and support to her family and friends. You have my deepest sympathy. Ron Herdman

So, Anne, you have embarked on the Last Great Adventure. I hope you have packed your humor, kindness, intelligence, and sense of justice. I will miss you terribly down here on earth. I do not know if there is reincarnation, but if there is, may your new body be strapping, sturdy, and never prone to illness. I know your spirit will live on in your family, your friends, and your former students. Goodbye, dear friend.

The GFWC Delaware State Federation of Women's Clubs has lost a shining STAR! Our 125 year old organization of nearly 900 Delaware community service volunteers are in shock with the news of the loss of our dear Anne. Anne S. Groo has served the state organization and her Newark New Century local club with distinction and humility with her many talents and fine abilities. Life is a series of years of building relationships and Anne is valued for all of the loving and caring relationships that she has built in her club and throughout the State as a giving generous women with her smile and her pleasant and positive personality! Anne has served GFWC DSFWC in many positions as chairman and is well recognized as an outstanding Vice President of New Castle County and at the time of her death she was serving her club as president. She proved herself as a fine leadership always. Just prior to her untimely death, Anne drove to Lewes, Delaware to visit with an ill "organization friend" of many years. This last of many visits is an example of her service above self and her unselfish attitude and her way of life throughout her life. She was direct, dependable and always available when needed and what more can we expect of anyone who has lived a life of goodness and a club woman extraordinary. Anne S. Groo will be missed by so many women who were privileged to call her friend. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to her family, her friends and her club members. In Sympathy, Patricia "Trish" Rodriguez GFWC Delaware State Federation of Women's Clubs State President 2022 - 2024

My friend ,whom I loved for many years during and after high school.

Nancy and I are shocked and saddened by Anne's passing. We've known her so long. We graduated with Anne and our lives have intertwined with hers, seeing her at alumni functions and all over Newark. The Class of 1965 will miss her terribly, as will all the people who were fortunate enough to know her.

I was so sorry to hear of Anne's passing. I have fond memories of many carefree summer days spent together on Lewes Beach. Condolences to her sisters and to her children and grandchildren.

In memory of Anne Schofield Groo, Marylee Murphy lit a candle

In memory of Anne Schofield Groo, Roberts Sandra lit a candle

Rest in heavenly peace, Anne. You’ve been a great friend since HS.

Anne was a wonderful neighbor and friend. She will be greatly missed on Apple Road. Thinking of everyone and sending loving thoughts.

Anne and I met years ago teaching. We kept in touch over the years between scrabble games, meeting for lunch, and grocery shopping together. Every time we went to Honeygrow she would bring her list of what she liked in it so she would not forget. It made me laugh every time. I am really going to miss her sharing anything to do with Australia and/or Tasmania she would find with me or even getting a random funnies from the Sunday paper in the mail that made her think of me. I will miss my friend more than words can express.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I have lost a dear friend and fellow Women’s Club member. Anne was my New Castle County Vice President when I was the GFWC Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs President. She was often by my side as we traveled the length of Delaware to visit clubs across the state. We became dear friends over those several years and thought that we would share many more together. Her sisters across this state morn her loss. We all send our condolences to Frank and her family and her dear clubwoman in Newark who I know are in deep shock over this loss as well. She will be greatly missed by all of us. With Great sadness, Carla

Anne will be missed by many in her Newark “home town”. She was always so involved in and well informed about events and issues and gave time and energy to many. Most recently she gave a quantity of cotton material to me, in the first few months of 2020 as the pandemic raged, to support a mask making initiative for non profits throughout the state. To her family and friends, hold her memory close and tell her stories often. ♥️

So very sorry to hear of Anne's death. The Groo family was very special to us for over 50 years. Anne will be sadly missed throughout the community.

Eternal rest grant her O Lord

I am so sad to hear of Anne’s passing. So many wonderful memories of her and her Mom growing up in Newark, the knitted gloves her Mom made my kids, Anne’s thoughtful comments on Facebook, and the joy we shared when we “bumped” into each other in Newark. Hugs, love and prayers to Anne’s family during this very difficult time❤️

I have so many memories of Anne—growing up in Newark, going to St.Thomas Episcopal Church, our parents knew each other well—our grandmothers even ended up in The Episcopal Church home together. It was always a delight to see her & chat about our lives. What a lovely woman. I am so very sorry for your loss. Many prayers & much love to all.

Anne was a dear friend. I saw her just before her surgery and am now saddened to learn that she didn't come through it. I'll remember her lovely blue eyes and the twinkle in them. I'll remember her lovely smile and her great sense of humor. We shared a love for "People" Magazine, whose margins bore Anne's comments -- indignant and otherwise -- on the smallest of news items. She didn't miss a detail! I'll miss you, Anne.

Donna and I are so sad to hear about Ann's passing, we still remember the things we used to do. Avon lost another good one. God Bless the family and we're thinking of you at this time.

Dear Andy & Kimmer & Family Your Mom will always be fondly remembered by our family. She was always gracious and kind to us. I am grateful to have known her. We continue to lift each of you up in prayer. Much love, Cheryl & Family

Much love to all of you. We are deeply saddened by your loss. xxoo Gretchen, Matt, Nicholas, & Alice

There are people you meet in life that leave their mark forever in your heart. That was Anne Groo. I met her my first year teaching. We immediately bonded. Her son Andy Kennard lives in Michigan and I grew up there. We'd talk about her visits there and I could share my experiences as I had been to those places too. She was a 2nd mom to this East coast transplant. She always kept up with me and my little family here on the East coast. She traveled 500 miles to my wedding in Michigan. Came to every bridal shower, baby shower, 1st birthday party and house warming. Anne Groo helped me set up my new classroom when I was transfered schools 8 weeks after giving birth to my 1st son. She has left little touches of herself throughout my house. She gave us a picture for our wedding that hangs in our master bedroom, a picture frame for Carter that is in my office and a Delaware shaped cheese board that's in my kitchen. I am heart broken and in shock. We were just talking about trying to get together for lunch before school started up again. Anne, may you rest in peace and enjoy seeing your parents again. Until we meet again, I love you my friend.

Ms. Groo was my 3rd grade teacher 19 years ago. She was the only one of my teachers throughout my entire school career that would still wish me a happy birthday every year and still say hi all the time on Facebook.. didnt matter that I moved out of state, she always kept up. One of the best teachers I ever had, she'll definitely be missed.

In memory of Anne Schofield Groo, Beth and Roger McMeekin lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.