Overview:
This report from Presence News covers a growing community concern in West Cornwall, Connecticut, where author Jane Garmey allegedly contacted a grieving family with complaints about the condition of church property following a funeral service. The complaints, which came ahead of Garmey’s private garden party, left family members emotionally distressed. Presence News confirmed the story through three sources, including a legally recorded call with a family member and direct conversations with the church’s Reverend. Despite outreach, Garmey has not responded to multiple requests for comment. The article also examines Garmey’s role in the community and notes she has not published any new work since 2018. This incident has reignited discussion around civility, influence, and respect in small-town life.
West Cornwall, Connecticut — What began as a moment of mourning for a local family has escalated into a broader community controversy in West Cornwall, Connecticut. This follows a series of distressing interactions with longtime resident and author Jane Garmey.
The incident unfolded the day after a funeral service at a local church. Garmey allegedly placed repeated phone calls to members of the grieving family, raising concerns over the church grounds’ condition. According to three verified sources, Garmey would insist the church property to be “pristine” for a private garden party she is having the following weekend. Her property is adjacent to the church. The timing and tone of the outreach left the family feeling disrespected and emotionally shaken.
Sources
Presence News obtained a legally recorded phone call with one of the family members. In the call, the individual is crying as she describes the emotional distress from the situation. The transcription confirms the pressure the family felt. Garmey’s perceived social influence and local status were key factors that amplified the tension. “It felt like we were being punished for having a funeral,” the family member stated. “We weren’t even done grieving.”
In addition to speaking with family sources, Presence News also contacted the Cornwall Library, where Garmey serves on the Board of Directors, to raise concerns about her conduct. No formal comment was provided at the time of this report.
Furthermore, Presence News confirmed in two separate phone conversations with the church’s Reverend, who acknowledged receiving direct complaints from Garmey after the funeral. The Reverend confirmed that tensions were high. She attempted to mediate the situation with compassion but described the ongoing interactions as “stressful” and “unfortunate given the circumstances.”
Garmey receives for new work on her gardening and cultural writing, she has not published any new work since March 20, 2018. Some residents of West Cornwall and the greater Connecticut community have quietly questioned whether her recent actions reflect a shift. They wonder if it is from creative contribution to the exertion of undue social pressure.
Made contact:
Despite multiple phone calls and texts from Presence News, Jane Garmey has not responded to requests for comment as of this publication.
This situation has prompted broader concerns. These are about civility, respect, and the treatment of grieving families in small-town communities like West Cornwall, Connecticut. As one local resident remarked, “This should not happen. We should take care of each other here.”
Presence News will continue to report on developments in this story as additional voices come forward.