Mary Ellen Grogan, 72, formerly of Boston

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Mary Ellen GroganJuly 18, 1952 ~ Sept. 10, 2024

Boston – Mary Ellen Grogan, a dedicated genealogist who helped countless individuals trace their Irish and Massachusetts ancestry, died on September 10 in Boston. She was 72.

Born on July 18, 1952, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Alice “Elsie” (Brigham) and John T. Grogan. After retiring from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, she turned her lifelong passion for genealogy into a second career.

Mary Ellen specialized in Irish records, making research trips to Dublin as early as 1984. She became a professional genealogist, leading and participating in research tours to Ireland, and was a familiar face at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston.

An enthusiastic educator, she delighted in empowering others to discover their heritage. A proud member of the daughters of the American Revolution, she assisted many with their ancestry applications. She also served as past president of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council.

Mary Ellen was known for her quick wit, love of learning, and voracious reading habits. Family members recall her fondness for repeating a piece of advice from her father, who died in 1965: “Always be aware of your two nearest fire exits,” she would say with a smile.

She is survived by her sister, Margaret A. Grogan of Harvard, Massachusetts; her nephew, Sean Doocey of Boston; her aunt, Lucille Keane of New Hampshire; and several close cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, John F. Grogan.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 19, at10 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her parents and brother.

Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

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