Obituary of Helen Grogan

Helen passed away peacefully on Thursday July 16, 2020 at the age of 95. She was the beloved wife of Col. Robert Thomas Grogan for 74 years on 22 June. Helen was the loving mother of Robert (Shelley), Diane (Bob) and Lynn (Dave), also the proud grandmother of Jonathan, Pierce, Sean and Nadia and the delighted great-grandmother of Dahlia. Helen was the special aunt of John (Pat), Kim, Kerry, Tricia and Tammy (predeceased), and was also blessed by aunty Kay's step-children - Laureen, Dale, Jackie, and Sharleen. She was predeceased by her sister Kay Reid (Lorne) and brother-in-law Bill Grogan. Helen was born in Kenora, Ontario, a daughter of the late John and Myrtle McLennan, grew up and was educated in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she met and married Robert Grogan. As a military wife she moved often with three postings in Europe and twice managing the family on her own while her husband served overseas in Gaza and Cyprus. She settled in Ottawa when her husband retired in 1978. Helen embraced challenges and succeeded remarkably, even learning how to use computers with considerable skill. Her hobbies included swimming, curling, bridge, reading, Sudoku, solitaire, and travel. We treasure our memories of family trips to Florida in the winter and two weeks at a cottage in the summer. Helen valued family above all. We will miss you dearly and love you always! The family would like to thank staff at the Civic Hospital for their kindness and compassion. For those who wish, a memorial donation can be made to a charity of their choice. A private family service will be followed by inurnment at Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa.