Anne T. (Talcott) Groth

Belchertown - Anne Talcott Groth, 86, of Belchertown, surrounded by family, transitioned peacefully to her next adventure on April 6, 2019.  While her body gave out, her mind was sharply intelligent until the end and a testament to her lifetime commitment to knowledge.  Her determined and focused spirit will be missed.

Vernal pools, swamps, coves, woods and islands were her home away from home. Anne’s passions included sitting quietly for hours documenting the daily habits of local wildlife -- the baby ducks were her favorite.  The widest smiles came from her daily ten-mile kayaks, where she’d hug the granite shores of Squam Lake in search of heron, loons, otter and turtles.  We are blessed to have her stunning photography documenting her experiences. Nature and conservation were Anne’s religion and she spent her life educating herself and others of its importance.

Anne attended The Brearley School, Connecticut College and received her masters from Mount Holyoke where she later taught.  She also taught at the Elms. She volunteered for decades at Laughing Brook in Hampden and Arcadia in Easthampton and Northampton, both Mass Audubon Sanctuaries, helping to educate children and the community.

With her husband Dan, Anne raised their family in Springfield and Wilbraham.  The house was always filled with rescued dogs allowed to run free and injured animals and birds that were released back into the wild post-nurture.  An avid reader, she kept abreast of the sciences and current events - the weather and its patterns occupied her daily. Her gardens over the years were more than spectacular and there were always a slew of potted plants in her homes.  She had a special connection with her piece of the planet and nurtured it with care.

Anne will be missed by her family - her children, Barbara DeWitt Groth of Los Angeles, Daniel Morse Groth and his wife Judith Lombardo Groth of Gardner and John Gerard Groth and his wife Lisa Claire Mayou Groth of Monson, her grandchildren Emily Quinn Groth of Melrose and Daniel Talcott Groth of Gardner, and her siblings Alice Talcott Bennet of Boston, Amy Talcott Adkins and her husband Walter Adkins of Haymarket, VA and Gerard Merrick Ives and his wife Kaysie Ives of Boston, and her beloved rescue dog Ari.  Anne was predeceased by her son, Hooker Groth and her husband Daniel Frederick Groth.

Memorial gifts are welcome at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and Squam Lakes Conservation Society.  See links below. 

There is a memorial gathering for family and friends on April 13th at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton.  Remembrance from 10AM to 12 noon, Nature Walk at noon, followed by lunch. Anne’s service will be in August at Squam Lake.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting her family with arrangements.

 An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anne T. (Talcott) Groth, please visit our floral store.