Our Angel Queen: Heidi captured my heart & soul last November. 140 days can be a lifetime of Love. There aren't enough words to describe her grace, her generosity, her warm pleasing nature, her strength & optimism. her intuitive intelligence, her ability to reach out to people, her insatiable search for the truth and her ability to share lifes' lessons. Our Angel Queen

I just found out about Heidi and I wanted to send my condolenses. Heidi was in my class at Joel Barlow and I remember her glowing long hair and bright smile. Prays for healing go out to her family at this time.

I remember her family in Stamford Ct in the early 70's when they all swam on the Newfield Swim Club Team. They were all very athletic. I was impressed with Heidi as she was in a movie opposite Walter Brennan and at that time I didn't know many actors. May she rest in peace.

To the Rook and Watts Family
My name is Anne Genovese Longo and I knew Heidi and the Rook family kids back in the 70's when we all swam together on the Newfield Swim team. I remember Heidi as being so friendly and happy and always having a smile on her face. I found our old swim team photo and am attaching it to this message. I am kneeling to the left of Heidi in the photo. I am so deeply sorry for your sudden loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely
Anne Genovese Longo

My heartfelt condolences to the Rook and Watts families.  I went to Joel Barlow High School in Redding, CT with Heidi.  We were cheerleaders together.  My fondest memory of her was one time when we were attending a breakfast for the football team.  She and I were sitting on the couch together when a commercial came on the TV.  She whispered to me not to say anything, then pointed to the screen.  There she was, a younger version of herself, advertising a children's toy.  She was humble and always cheerful and positive.  I don't ever think I saw her without a huge smile on her face.

Margaret Taylor (or Maggie as she used to call me)

We were deeply saddened to learn of Heidi's passing. Sara and Gretchen were young pals at Redding Elementary School and managed to stay in touch after the move to Georgia. Your mother was a beautiful person and we are so very sorry for your loss.

I went to high school with Heidi at Stamford Catholic HS in Stamford, CT.  I'm very sorry to learn of her passing and my condolences go out to her family :(

Katherine Rook and the Watts family, my deepest and heartfelt sympathy for you.  It's been many years since I met Heidi and the Rook family in Redding, when I stayed with them on a visit.  Her Dad, Al and I spent most of Christmas Eve putting tab A into slot B in all the toys and bicycles for the kids ... what a great time we had.  I had never met such a family in all my life nor have I since ... a truly wonderful and remarkable family that I'll always think of as my own. To Heidi's kids, your mother was simply the greatest.  I'm so sorry for your loss.

The world has lost such an awesome lady and she will be missed deeply. My deepest sympathies to her family.

Dear Mrs. Rook, Katae, Ablie, Terri, Patti, Willie, Gretchen, Eric and Richard, Gretchen, Birgitta and Katrina: this is Sally Klinzman Daley, Dick & Molly Kathleen Daley sending you all our love and prayers from Florida as your friends who love you and loved Heidi while growing up together in Redding, CT.  I am so sorry in the delay in sending this, I am just learning of your loss and my heart breaks for each of you. Heidi was an unbelievably special person with a smile a mile wide and heart equally as open and generous.  While I cannot imagine the pain that you are enduring, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers and though the distance may separate us there are friends across the world who love you and support you. To Richard, Gretchen, Brigitta and Kartina: I am sorry we've not met, your Mom was awesome and I know she will be watching over you now and forever.

My deepest sympathies to the Rook and Watts families.

Vivacious and beautiful are the words that come to mind as I remember Heidi. Much of those virtues are evident in her strong, beautiful and talented children.  We will sorely miss the sunshine of her smile.

Heidi was as sweet as she was beautiful.  My prayers and sincere sympathy go out to her children and the entire family.

Dear Rook Family and friends and Heidi's children.
I am so very sorry for your sudden loss. I know the pain from losing a mother....take those wonderful maemories and hold on tight!   the loss of a daugther, sister and friend im'so very sorry. My thoughts and prayer are with you all.  What wonderful pictures.Cherish the memories and Thank you for sharing them.

Rosalie Tracy's daugther

You don't know me well, but I've admired your mom and her beautiful children for years, and I have been so deeply saddened to learn of her tragic passing. Our lives have intersected: my son has been in Birgitta's class since 4th grade, I was Richard's communication professor his freshman year at Reinhardt, and even though Gretchen never took any of my classes I've seen her on stage and shared many friends with her. So I've been touched by your family, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Many hugs your way during these difficult days!

To Heidi's family, 
She was one of the most happy and optimistic women I've ever met.  She loved her family and actually was a kind and gentle soul to me when I lost my brother to lung cancer, only to learn she was going through the same sadness with her husband.  I know she loved being a Mother and she loved to talk about her children.  I will miss her sweetness and my prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Mrs. Rook and Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  We are so sorry for your loss.   Susan & Bill Goodenough, Exeter, NH

My love and prayers go out to your family.  Heidi was a wonderfull woman and mother, she will be missed deeply.

My Mother worked for Heidi when I was a child. They became the greatest of friends and Heidi was like a second mother to me. She had the most beautiful soul and the greatest heart of anyone I have ever known. She was an amazing mother, Friend, and was always someone you could count on. I am going to miss her so much. She will never be forgotten. She was always there for me before and after the death of my mother. I am so sad for her 4 wonderful children. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.Always remember that your mom loved you all more than anything, and she is watching over you now. I love you all especially you Mrs.Heidi you will forever be in my heart. I am so thankful to have known the beautiful person you are. I am going to miss you so much.

Dear Aunt Katie and all in the family and Watts family.
Our hearts are deeply saddened for your loss of dear sweet Heidi.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Your memories of Heidi will be with you also and her love she gave to everyone will remain in your hearts. Heidi was a beautiful sweet and loving person.  Love niece/cousin Alice & Butch Malley & family, New Britain, Ct

Dear Families of the Rooks & Watts,
My deepest sympathy goes to all of you for your loss of Heidi. I will always remember the cherished memories I have of growing up with Heidi and her family when I was a child. Heidi was my best friend growing up together in Stamford on Minivale Road. Some people you meet in life touch your heart with so much love, laughter and caring that you carry it with you forever. Heidi did that for me and I will always treasure that time we grew up together. She was a beautiful person and I enjoyed the annual New Year's letter she would send to me. I loved her sharing about her wonderful children. May God comfort you all and give you peace during this difficult time you are going through. Hold onto the love it stays with you forever and know that Heidi rests in Heaven now and forever. You are all in my prayers.....

We met Heidi here at our shop, and she had the patience of an angel.  She was a bright light that was extinguished too soon.  Our prayers go out to all who knew her, as she will be missed.

To Katie and all

There are no words for such extreme heartbreak - your loss is our loss -  to know and experience Heidi is a priviledge to be treasured always - our sadness is overwhelming and our prayers are with you.

Dear Rook and Watts Families,

May God bless you all in this time of sorrow and help you to recall all of the happier times spent together.

I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I will keep Heidi in my thoughts and prayers.

To the Rook and Watts families: The photos of Heidi in Stamford when we were all a lot younger brought back memories of a sweet girl with an indelible smile. May you smile when you think of Heidi and keep your own special memories of her close to your heart. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

To all of Heidi's children, her mom, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how difficult this time must be for you, but please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. 
          My deepest sympathies to your whole family.
              Colleen McAuliffe VanClief , Saco, Maine

I met Heidi through the Chamber just this January.  She gave me my 1st lesson in marketing my business.  Before the meeting was over, we were sharing our lives and stories of our children and we even shed some tears together.  Since then, I always looked forward to seeing her and hearing an encouraging word.  She always joked about how she couldn't cook and could only burn water.  This was a woman who was genuine and loved her kids dearly.  I am honored to have known her if even for a short time.

Heidi was a special person and God used her to touch many.  I will always remember that smiling face and her encouraging words.  Fond memories wil have to do until we meet again...Shane

To the Rook & Watts Families.  Our deepest sympathy.  We will keep all of you in our prayers.

Roger & Marilyn Healy

My twin sister and I were in St Cecilia's with Heidi, she was such a sweet girl. Our families were all in grammar school and High school together, they were a wonderful family!! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers and may God give you the strength to stay strong during such a difficult time.  Love the KIRK FAMILY (Stamford Ct)

We love your mom and your family so much.  Your mom is one of the most giving and loving people we have ever met.  We have so many wonderful memories of her and your dad.  It has been such an honor and privilege to know her.  We love you and will miss her so much!  Curtis, Kim, Whitney, Maddie, Lexie, Conner, and Tyty Wallentine

You will be truly missed!  Love Ruth Ann Bodine and Candace Todd, Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.

Heidi was an inspiration to every life she touched and will be MISSED beyond words. She gave unselfishly and always had a kind word. Heidi did have an infectous laugh that will keep her close in my heart until we meet again.

Dear Mrs.Rook and family:
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your sweet daughter, mother, sister and aunt. I cannot imagine your heartache. Please know the love and thoughts of friends near and far, old and new are with you now and always. My family treasures the memories of days past with your family and will never forget Heidi,a beautiful person, both inside and out. With love, Maureen Mcauliffe Coelho and family

I was blessed to have Heidi come through my life. Heidi's spirit shined through her gentle eyes, her beautiful smile and came from a beautiful soul and caring heart.
I was amazed at her fierce loyalty to her friends. Heidi was so very proud of her children! She glowed when speaking of you guys! Smile with your memories even through your tears!
 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows
Please know I pray for your strength and courage through your pain!
Deborah

To the Watts and Rook families:
My family grew up on Minivale Road in Springdale and attended school with the Rook kids at St. Cecilia's.  I remember Gretchen as a beautiful young girl, full of life, and very sweet.  My condolences to her children and the entire Rook family.

Heidi was a beautiful person whose life ended much too soon.  With our deepest sympathy and prayers,
Love, Rose, Barbara, John and Melanie Flood

dearest gretchen and family,i am so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you,with heartfelt thoughts and love, phyllis gibbs& family

Although I did not know Heidi and Doug extremely well, my daughter and her family (the Wallentines) felt very close to your family. I can't think of any neighbors who are better than the Watts for giving kids rides to school, hauling them to the park for fireworks, shopping, or wherever they wanted to go, which is wherever Katrina was going! So many kind words have been said about both Heidi and Doug, I can only add that they were THE BEST. I can't tell you how much Heidi will be missed, far into the future. Thanks Richard, Gretchen, Brigitta,and Katrina for sharing her with so many. It was a pleasure to know her, if only briefly. The Wallentine family will never forget all the kindnesses both your parents extended to them. Jane Kodel(Lindon,Ut.) Kim Wallentine's Mom

I just found out today -  I'm so sorry for your loss -  She is a great person -  The talks that we had were so amazing -  You guys are amazing -  and her kids are so amazing yourselfs that I miss everyone one of you -

To all those who loved Heidi, especially her 4 wonderful children; it is because of your Mother's kindness and care that Brandi had the guidance for her sweet boy Nathan to be entrusted to us as his parents. Brandi was so very lucky to have Heidi and Doug's love, and the support of all of the children, through her adoption experience. We will forever remember Heidi with a deep affection and gratitude. Take your wings sweet Heidi and forever be the angel that God intended you to be, as you were here on earth! With sympathy and love, Bruce, Lisa, Juliana and Nathan Hartley

Heidi was a special person.  I've always admired her confidence and her belief that she could do anything.  She will live on in our memories.  
Love,
Tasha, Erik, Bennett and Sara Williams

I only knew Heidi a short while, but what time I knew her I found her to be a very sweet and loving person.  My prayers go out to her family and friends.  God has gained another angel, but she will be missed by all who knew her here.

Words can't express how we feel about your loss.  It seems unreal to us, so I know it has to seem unreal to you.  I am praying for each one of you.  God will take care of you during and after this, just trust him.  If I can do anything please don't hesitate to call.  Your mom was a wonderful happy lady, and life won't be the same without her wonderful smile here on earth.  God bless each one of you.  Love always, Ron & Vickie Owen  & family (Lawrenceburg, TN)

I am so sorry to hear of  your loss Gretchen, our family's love and prayers are with you and your brother and sisters!!!!!!

May friends comfort you, 
Faith uphold you, 
Loving memories heal your heart,
With heartfelt sympathy.

"Heidi had many friends in Dalton, Georgia and we will miss her dearly"

Dear Rook & Watts families,
Our hearts are breaking for you as yours did for us last year when we lost our brother Peter.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.  We hope you will find comfort & peace in your fond memories. 
We send you our love,  
The Maida Family

Gretchen,
     I just wanted you guys to know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family on the passing of your mama. If you need anything let me know. I love you!

To the Watts Family- my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you during this time of grief.  Few words ever can ease the pain endured as a result of a tragedy of this nature- having lost my mother at an early age I understand that; however, during my time of loss I reflected on those happy, enjoyable, and unique times that I shared with her.  I hope you will do the same in celebrating the memory of Heidi.  May the Peace of the Lord sustain you- God Bless!  

Tom Wyatt, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce

I was very sorry to hear the news about Heidi. She had such a zest for life and was a wonderful wife and mother to her children. I will always remember the enthusiasm and joy she brought to work. Please extend my deepest condolonces to her family and to her extended family at Great Southern Publishers. My thoughts are with you.

Heidi was a kind and loving woman but also very practical and pragmatic. A wonderful combination. She welcomed me into the family with love and grace when I married Doug's cousin Richard Tucker. I will always remember her warm smile, her hugs and the light of her soul and carry it with me. My heart goes out to the entire family, especially her children who must now find their way through life without her physical presence. May they know that though she is no longer present in her physical body, she is always with them in Spirit.

Our condolences to the Watts Family. Heidi was such a wonderful person. When I first met her, she was applying for a job at Great Southern Publishers. I remember thinking how nice, attractive and friendly she was. She always wore a smile and had positive things to say. I admired her abilities as a Mother and was impressed by her beautiful family. Her laughter and strength of character were a treasure. 

In Sympathy,
The Gregory Family (Sici, Greg & Trey)

For me, I will always remember Heidi's laugh--which I tried to get her to do as often as I could. We had many adventures Heidi and I, in our own way, a conservative version of thrill seeking Thelma and Louise. From our theatre classes, to off-campus living as roommates, to a summer at Hippocrates Health Institute in Boston, to a vacation in Florida where we thought we should get jobs at Hialeah Race Track!--we always created our own fun, for it was Heidi who enjoyed life to its fullest.  I will miss her, but I still hear that wonderful laugh.   I love you Heidi.

Heidi to me represented a woman of love and strength.  She was always positive about life and genuinely cared about others.  Her family was her greatest treasure of all, and it showed.  Heidi's presence in my life has inpired me to make the best choices for my children so they can express their full potential.  It's because of her, that my children went to Montessori school, and for that, I am eternally grateful.    My deepest sympathies go to the entire family.  May you be comforted by the many memories you have had with this beautiful and kind woman.  Karen Ferguson D.C. (Kennesaw, GA)

Fellow alum from Adelphi University's Theatre Program remember Heidi the actress as generous, sweet, humble, effervescent, and cheerful.  Some recall that as a child actress she worked with Buddy Ebsen, Lesley Ann Warren, Walter Brennan, Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn in Disney Films, but she was "totally humble about her accomplishments."  She is and always will be remembered by her college mates.  We love you Heidi!

Condolences from the Lasko Family to Watts and Rooks.  

Heidi sat next to me a few years in elementary school. She was always prepared with a sharp pencil and the right answer.  Heidi loved art class and was a champion speller.  She was cute and all the boys wanted my seat.  Classmates at St Cecilia’s were like members of your family in the 1960s. We missed Heidi when she took time off to film Family Band and lost a sister when her family moved to Redding.
 
My earliest memory was her third birthday party when they lived in Springdale.  I think there was a Rook in every one of my 7 sibling’s classes.  The Rooks, Barcellos, and Laskos were competing for the biggest families in town.

I look back now and realize how blessed we were as children.   Heidi had loving and nurturing parents, many siblings, strict schooling and a strong faith.  

I admire what she accomplished in life but I am not suprised.   Heidi touched many people with God's grace and will contiue to do so.

To the Entire Rook and Watts family Our hearts go out to yours.  With our deepest sympathies  you are in our prayers.  And from the all the Forger Family.

Had such good times with Heidi. She loved life, her family and friends. She made everyone feel special and in turn we all loved her and knew that she was a special lady. I will miss her sweet smile and friendship. I pray for her family.She loved them with all of her heart.

With our love and deepest sympathies.
John and Anna Mazeiko (Saco, ME)

I will remember Heidi for her smile and twinkling eyes - no matter what, she would always grin and hug and say a kind word. In over ten years of knowing her, I never heard her utter a cross word about another soul - and in this day and time, that's saying alot. She was a simply wonderful mother who adored her children and spoke of them often. I looked forward to receiving the annual update of all their goings on each Christmas season. One of my most fond memories of Heidi is when she helped us plan a Harry Potter birthday for my son, Noah. She was such a creative force of nature, that her ideas and encouragement made the event a hit filled with memories we'll treasure forever. I'll miss her so much.
- Stacey Dickson

I'll always treasure the time I spent with Heidi, working between catching up on each other's lives.  She loved her family and was so proud of each child's achievements.  

We're keeping the entire family in our thoughts and prayers.

There are no words to express my sympathies to Heidi's children. She was a remarkable woman with a smile that could brighten anyone's day. Heidi will be missed by so many and remembered most for the love she had for her precious children. 

My prayers are lifted for her family and friends that are hurting so much now.  May God's comforting arms surround you all now.

OBITUARY

Heidi Elizabeth Rook Rook Watts

May 24, 1957 – April 8, 2010

Owen Funeral Home

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