Henrietta Henty Robinson LaRou
July 11, 1921 ~ December 6, 2015
South Portland Henrietta Henty Robinson LaRou, 94, died peacefully at Mercy Hospital on Sunday, December 6, 2015. She was born July 11, 1921 in South Portland, a daughter of George and Etta (Woodbury) Robinson. She is predeceased by her husband Phillip R. LaRou who passed away in 1996. She is survived by her sister Mabel Graney, daughters Laurie LaRou and Cindy Walsh and Cindys husband Thom, sons Dick and wife Cheryl, Dan and partner Christina, and George and wife Alex, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Some of her civic involvements included: served for 17 years on the South Portland (S.P.) Library Advisory Board, instrumental in getting recognition for the residents of Ferry Village who had to give up their homes for the building and operating of the S.P. Shipyard, past member of the S.P. Historical Society as well as the Spring Point Museum, served as Secretary of South Portland Land Trust and headed up the beach cleanups, past troop leader of Camp Fire Girls, taught confraternity at Holy Cross and Sunday School Peoples Methodist Church, served on the Holy Cross Parish Council, past President and member of the Holy Cross Sodality. When she noticed that the S.P. nursing home, which was privately owned, was in what she termed, rough shape, she set about to get the city to either tear it down or take it over and refurbish it, which they did. As a working member on various committees, Henty lobbied and worked to keep Irving Oil Co. from coming to South Portland and adding an oil tank farm to the coastline. As well, she worked to preserve the S.P. Armory and the Roosevelt School, and helped add the swimming pool to the S.P. Community Center. In 2011, Henty was recognized for all her contributions to the City of South Portland as an individual that never held a public office but contributed to the fabric and history of our community. She will forever be remembered as a loving mom and civic leader. Even thought she was very active in South Portland, the city she loved, she always told her children they were her greatest achievements and gift. Hentys family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the doctors and nurses of the Mercy Hospital, in particular the Emergency Room and the 5th Floor Cardiology unit. Hentys visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 13th from 3-7pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15 am on Monday, December 14th followed by a 10:00 am funeral service at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. To view Hentys memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. To those of us who have been privileged to have been a part of her life, we are so much better for having known her. She will leave a void in so many peoples lives. She left a big footprint that no one will be able to fill, but shouldnt we all try. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made it Hentys name to the charity of your choice.
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So sorry for your loss. She will be missed. May you all find peace and comfort in the days to come.
– John & Jane Wyman
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
– Ray and Louise Cady
My condolences go to Laurie and Cindy and all Henty’s nieces and nephews that I grew up with. And especially to Belle Graney whose sister was her eyes. ‘God is love.’
– Ann McLellan
Having been a frequent visitor to the LaRou house from childhood through high school I got to experience this warm, gracious lady’s hospitality first hand. Always a welcoming smile and a kind word and the patience of a saint to put up with a basement full of obnoxious teenagers back in the day!
– Sam Kriger
Such a great lady and one of my favorite people of all time. The city of South Portland is a better place because of all of Henrietta’s hard work and her love for the community. My sympathy to the family, but what a wonderfully long and exceptional life to celebrate.
– Linda Cohen
I remember meeting Henty for the first time and thinking ‘what could I possibly have to talk about with my sister’s elderly mum-in-law?’. Henty put that thought to rest in about 30 seconds. I never met anyone smarter, funnier or warmer – you felt like you’d known her forever because she had that gift. She will be sorely missed.
– Cindy Ryan
Henty was a treasure to all who had the good fortune of knowing her. Her warmth filled any room, and she never showed anything but love and wisdom and humor. What a voice! What a smile! I miss her as I miss family, and send my condolences to her great family. This world is less without her, but hers is now more. I am grateful for having known her. Peace and love to her family and friends
– Alex McCann
The best neighbor. Will miss the chats, that wit and spirit. Walking by to the waves from the window. My deepest condolences to the family.
– Jeffrey Caron
iv known hinty over the years through barby and christine. we were in book club at so portland library,, such a lovely lady so kind ,and gracious ,,we should all follow her example she will be sorely missed
– alison skillings
I only knew Henty for a short time, relative to her long and beautiful life….filled withloving family and so many friends, old and new. Henty made me feel so welcome andcared about the very first time I met her. She was so special and unique. I am so gladI had the pleasure to know her and spend time with her and her beautiful sister Belle .Prayers and hugs to all of you.
– Julie Onorato
With deepest sympathy to all your family
– Mario and Dorothy Iacopucci
Henty was a wonderful human being. She had a lively intelligence, a great sense of humor, and really paid attention to others. I’d known her for years casually through her nephew and my friend, John Graney, but got to know and appreciate her even more when I stayed with her in January of ’14 when I was doing research in Portland. She made everything easy and fun. When I was late to dinner one night because I missed the bus stop, she said, “Don’t worry, we’re just having cream of bottom shelf.” She was a model of how to be a good person. I will never forget her.
– Bonnie Anderson
After the passing of my Mother (Valerie) I went to see Henty at her home. We had a great time visiting and talking about all the fun times they have had over the years. I am so glad I had that chance. She had quite a twinkle in her eye when certain stories came up. I am sure a fun time was had by all. She is the last of an era for the South Portland girls and I cannot help but be sad. My Mom loved her dearly as did so many others. She was a wonderful lady.
– Linda Farrell McCormack
What a wonderful experience to have known Hinty, a truly lovely & caring Lady who made you feel welcomed & special.
– Maureen & Charlie Greer
So sorry for your loss. It’s always hard loosing a loved one.Linda Darling
– Linda Darling
Dear LaRou Family,My deepest sympathy at the loss of your extraordinarily beautiful and beloved mother. She was a treasured friend to our mom and I think they probably are singing up there as they loved to do so down here, with their frequent morning phone chats. She was a joy to us all. I thank God for her life and example of loving service to all she encountered. What a woman! What a life! Love and prayers for you all.
– Mary McCann
So sorry to hear of Mrs. LaRou’s death. Did not find out in time to attend the visiting hours or funeral. She was an amazing and caring woman who will always be dear to my and my mother’s heart. We loved visiting for years at the SPHS girls and boys basketball games!Laurie and Cindy, You are both so special and I will be praying for you and your extended family during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy
– Lois MacPhee Willis
Warm, gracious, a gentlewoman, the very definition of a lady, civic-minded, an inspiration to all those around her – Henty was all these and more. I feel so blessed to have known and loved her ~ and I will miss her dearly. My condolences to Belle, Henty’s children and the rest of the family.
– Kathryn Onos DiPhilippo
With deepest sympathy to all your family
– Dorothy and Mario Iacopucci
I’m so sorry to hear of Henty’s passing. My memories of her go back to the mid 50’s in the white house on Simmons Rd. Always kind, always concerned, always welcoming. I had the chance to visit her and Belle last year and 60+ years didn’t change a thing. Hoping your memories can help sustain you through the loss of such a wonderful woman.
– Paul Graney
Almost all my life, my parents, Guy and Ruth McLellan spoke of Henty and I knew she must be a most wonderful person but I knew Belle Graney, Betty McGouldrick and her brother but never met Henty until my very special visit with her and Belle in August 2015. When I came to the door, she met me and knew who I was and all about me to my astonishment! I felt I knew her immediately and I still remember some of her exact words that meant so much to me. Unfortunately when I discovered that she was hospitalized, I realized that she probably had moved to her son’s house as she described to me and I had no connection to write to her or her family. To her sons and daughters and all her family, my deepest condolences for your loss. I would most appreciate to hear from one or more of you as Belle and the whole Robinson family holds a very special place in my heart.
– Susan McLellan Plaisted
The joy of motherhood was probably Henty’s greatest achievement as she treasured each of her children and grandchildren. She always had open arms for them, enjoyed their phone calls and visits as if each one was a special gift for her.She was a special lady who enjoyed relaying stories from her past, remembering each of her friends by name as well as details of their families and ancestry. She was a people person who clung to her memories and loved sharing them with those stopping by for an impromptu visit.Henty will be missed by so many people whose lives she touched. She was one of a kindand my heart goes out to her family.
– Denise Radway