Mary Ann (Grondin) Grabowski

Mary Ann (Grondin) Grabowski, age 67, of Marlborough passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020.

Mary was born on November 11, 1952 to Earnest and Mabel (LaBell) Grondin.  She was the youngest of five children including Earnest Jr., Rita, Levi and Irene. Mary was called her mother’s “pocketbook” because she was always by her mother's side. Mary fell in love with Connecticut artist James "Jim" Grabowski, who was dazzled not only by Mary’s stunning crystal blue eyes but also by her intelligence and joyful personality. They wed on August 1, 1981. Jim and Mary made their home in Marlborough, Connecticut and Mary had her own “pocketbook” when she became a mother to their only daughter, Dina Wehren Grabowski Keleher.                                                                                                                                                              

After years of working a sprinkling of jobs, including an art consultant and at the Manchester Board of Realtors, Mary pursued her college education to become a social worker. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Springfield College in 1992 and then went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut in 1996. Mary found gratification in helping others sort through their problems and finding solutions; she had an innate gift of offering words of encouragement, wisdom and comfort with a dash of reality and humor. Most recently, Mary was a Psychotherapist at The Center for Psychological and Family Services Inc.                                                                                                                                             

Mary fell in love again in 2006 and in 2009 when she became a grandmother to her two grandchildren, James "Jamie" and Eva Keleher.  Mary would enthusiastically oblige their requests for almost anything by saying “of course” to whatever they asked.  "Mimi" has enriched Jamie and Eva’s lives more than words can say.                                                                   

Throughout her life, Mary was able to travel. Her most favorite place of all being Aruba which she was able to visit many times; she and Jim even took Jamie and Eva to this amazing island a few years ago! Mary was a master chef in the kitchen and made so many delicious, savory meals for her family and friends. She loved to dress up her outfits with a scarf- and has quite the assortment to choose from- as well as adding on some bright lipstick to match her bubbly personality.  Mary found happiness in simple pleasures such as hearing the sounds of her grandchildren laughing, shopping with Dina, dining out with Jim, just to name a few.  Mary made the ordinary extraordinary with her zest for life.                                                                 

She will be forever loved and remembered by her husband Jim Grabowski; and daughter Dina and her husband Edward "Ted" Keleher, all of Marlborough; her grandchildren James and Eva, and her extended family. We are so fortunate to have loved Mary; she is our source of strength. Mary is always up for any adventure, ready to critique the latest painting done by Jim, proudly cheering on Jamie and Eva at one of their many extra curricular events and always the one Dina turns to for advice- big or small-, and perhaps most importantly ready to provide support through simply listening or providing one of her magical hugs. She loved her small, close knit family and has instill in us a solid and strong set of “morals, values and respect.” She is quick witted with a juvenile sense of humor.  She is caring, kind-hearted, passionate, creative, and generous. We miss you terribly and are so blessed to have loved and been loved by you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 4-6 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, followed by a private chapel service. Those who remember her are asked to celebrate Mary’s life in their own way (raising a margarita in her memory would be quite appropriate!) In typical “Mary” style, she would ask that you give to others, so in lieu of flowers, please send your donations to:  Marlborough Arts Center 231 North Main Street Marlborough, CT 06447
For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.