Arden Herrick Rock

Arden (Herrick) Rock, 78, of Manchester, New Hampshire passed away in the early hours of September 8th 2020 at home, surrounded by her loving family in Oviedo, Florida after suffering complications from an illness. Arden was born in Queens New York on December 28, 1941 to Arthur James Herrick, and Florence Abigail (Horne) Herrick. Nicknamed “Rusty” for her beautiful and distinct red hair, she graduated from Roslyn High School in 1958 at the age of 16 and relocated to North Palm Beach, Florida with her parents shortly after. She worked for the Palm Beach Post for a few years until marrying the love of her life, her husband Charles Edward Rock Jr., whom she was introduced to by friends shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy. In 1972, Arden and Charles moved with their two young children Amber and Charlie to Manchester, New Hampshire, where Arden began to develop her skills as a commercial artist. She would eventually return to school and finish her Bachelors’ Degree in Art at Notre Dame College. Arden was a naturally gifted artist who found immense joy and inspiration in the outdoors. Her perfect day was one out on the lake in her kayak with a friend and a sketchbook, or perhaps just sitting by the water with her grandsons whom she loved more than anything. She was thoughtful, curious, and well-read, with a book collection that covered everything from poetry to politics, from the works of French existentialists to the spiritual writings of Deepak Chopra. As independent and self-driven as they come, Arden worked into her seventies and retired after years of proud work and great companionship at the Manchester Union Leader. She volunteered throughout her life as well, notably at the Manchester Crisis Center and as an art teacher for Girls Incorporated. Anyone who met Arden, regardless of circumstance, knew she had a deep well of wisdom and wit to pull from, and everyone whom she called a friend took something away from their time together, whether it was an admiration for her quick sense of humor or a deep respect for her constant desire to learn and understand the world around her, to be ever more patient and loving. Arden was happiest when she was taking care of something or someone – tending to a garden, holding and petting one of the many pets she loved over the years, or simply finding a way to make her grandchildren smile with an art project or a day out to lunch. In her seventy-eight years, Arden had no shortage of great memories and lifelong friendships, and her family is lucky enough to have thousands of photographs that she took during her happiest moments. Her smile and laughter will be missed by so many, but she will be with us forever. We love you. She is survived by her daughter Amber Jane Siegel and son-in-law John William Siegel of Oviedo, Florida, son Charles Edward Rock III of Los Angeles, California, grandsons Matthew Allen Dahl of Manchester, New Hampshire and James Michael Sweeney of Manchester, New Hampshire, her older brother Arthur James Herrick of Long Island, New York, and her younger sister Abbie Herrick of Manchester, New Hampshire. Lastly, she is survived by her oldest and dearest friend Helen Graveline-Wenz, as well as many nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents Arthur James Herrick, and Florence Abigail (Horne) Herrick, her Husband Charles Edward Rock Junior, and her grandson Joseph Brian Rock.

Arden Herrick Rock

December 28, 1941 - September 8, 2020