Northborough – Ethel A. (Bourinot) Grogan passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 9, 2021; she was 90 years old and the devoted wife of 36 years to John “Jack” J. Grogan until his own passing in 1992.
Born in Waltham on December 5, 1931 and raised in Weston, Ethel was one of six children to David H. and Mary E. (Cotter) Bourinot. After graduation Ethel worked as a file clerk within the Raytheon Corporation. It was here that she met fellow employee and soon-to-be husband, Jack.
The couple settled in Waltham and began their family together. In 1961, Jack and Ethel moved to Northborough. Ethel devoted her life to caring for her family. She was involved in her children’s lives and many activities. She was always there for her children and later, her grandchildren. A quiet ear to listen, meaningful words of advice or just knowing a prayer would be shared for you; Ethel would lovingly make a bad day seem better.
Ethel was a woman of deep devotion and a testament to her Catholic faith. After relocating to Northborough she and Jack joined St. Rose of Lima Parish. For numerous years she was an active member, taught CCD and used her God-given talent of embroidery to create adornments to the clergy vestments and baptismal stoles for the parish’s infants. Eventually, Ethel would find her new church home at St. Bernadette Parish and would continue her ministry of beautiful baptismal stoles, one stich at a time. She also tirelessly volunteered within the church as a Eucharistic Minister, alter server, CCD teacher and assisted in the church office. She attended Mass daily and earnestly devoted herself to prayer.
Surviving Ethel are her three sons, Stephen Grogan and his wife Linda of Douglas, Peter Grogan of Holden and John Grogan of Westborough; her four daughters, Maureen Gauvin of Northborough, Nancy Grogan and her fiancé Bradford of Grafton, Roberta Kelly of Northborough and Mary Grogan of Marlborough, her beloved ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a sister, Kathleen Bourinot of Weston and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Grogan; her son-in-law, William Gauvin and her siblings, Edward and David Bourinot, Loretta Lincoln and Bernice Wheeler.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Saturday, December 18, at St. Bernadette Parish, 266 Main Street, Northborough, MA. 01532. In lieu of flowers Ethel’s family respectfully request memorial donations be made to St. Bernadette Parish.
Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. To leave a condolence or to share a story, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
