It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Ellen Grogan, a past president of the Massachusetts Genealogical Society (MGC) and a leader within the broader genealogical community. Mary Ellen was a member, mentor, and friend who left an indelible mark on genealogy both locally and nationally.
Mary Ellen served MGC with distinction in many capacities: Newsletter Editor from 2001 to 2005, Vice President from 2005-2007, Civil Records Director from 2010 to 2013, and President from 2013 to 2017. Even after her presidency, she continued to contribute to our programs, regularly offering talks, workshops, and guidance to members.
Her leadership at MGC saw Mary Ellen actively involved in legislative efforts to protect public access to vital records, balancing the need for privacy with the essential nature of public records in tracing family histories.
Mary Ellen was not only an exceptional genealogist but also a person of immense generosity, wisdom, and warmth. She was well-known for her expertise in Irish genealogy having spent decades meticulously researching Irish records. She volunteered her time freely to help individuals uncover their own stories and had the ability to explain the often-complex web of Irish research to both novices and experts. Many brick walls collapsed when one was on a research trip to Ireland with her.
Mary Ellen had a quick wit, great sense of humor, and was always planning the next project or adventure. She could make the past come alive, connect us with our ancestors, and build bridges across generations.
We will miss her dearly, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched through her work.
Mary Ellen’s obituary is available at: https://www.shortfuneral.com/obituary/MaryEllen-Grogan
MGC 2018 Seminar
NERGC 2017
The image of Mary Ellen Grogan at the beginning of this post was taken from her obituary. Linda MacIver allowed MGC to use the pictures from NERGC 2017 and MGC Seminar 2018 which are in her personal collection.
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