Ann Lucille Raymond Garrow

In Loving Memory of Ann Lucille Raymond Garrow

Ann Lucille Raymond Garrow, 86, of Belleview, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026. She was born on February 8, 1940, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and lived a life marked by devotion to her family, service, creativity, and adventure.

Ann grew up in Hawley, Massachusetts, on her family’s farm, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse. She later attended and graduated from Arms Academy, beginning a journey that would take her far beyond her New England roots. After completing her education, Ann worked for the United States government overseas in Geneva.

She met Robert Thomas Garrow, and the two were married on May 5, 1962, celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary this year. As the wife of a career United States Marine, Ann embraced the life of a military family, living in Japan, Germany, and Spain and creating a loving home wherever their travels took them.

Together, Ann and Robert later co-founded the Life Preservation Institute in Washington State. Ann was also active in the VFW Auxiliary, continuing her commitment to service and community.

Ann was a lifelong crafter whose creativity was evident in everything she did. She especially excelled in leathercraft and book mending, working with patience, skill, and an appreciation for preserving things of lasting value. Her hands were rarely idle, and her talents brought beauty and usefulness to the lives of those around her.

Ann also had a deep and lifelong love of books and reading. Books were an important part of her life, and she shared that love generously with her family. Through her example and encouragement, she inspired her daughters and granddaughters to discover the joy, knowledge, and adventure found in reading. Her love of books became a treasured family legacy that will continue through the generations.

Above all, Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Robert Thomas Garrow, and their three daughters: Diane Elizabeth Garrow Kennedy, Valerie Ann Garrow Brown, and Stephanie Louise Garrow Craddick, as well as four granddaughters, Mary, Kiri, Gwen, and Aerin.

Ann will be remembered for her strength, independence, creativity, devotion to family, love of books, and the many places and lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. From a small family farm and one-room schoolhouse in Massachusetts to a life that spanned continents, she lived with purpose, curiosity, and love.

Her love of family, her creative spirit, and the stories she shared will live on in the generations she inspired.

She will be deeply missed and remembered by her family and all who knew her.