Irene May Grogan was born on June 23, 1924, in Troy, New York, and passed away on February 13, 2019 in San Diego, California. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Thomas Grogan and a son, Gary Scott Grogan. She was the daughter of the late May Rogers Melsom and John W. Melsom of Troy, New York. Irene is survived by a brother, Robert W. Melsom of Troy; son Bruce Grogan and his wife Renee Wessels and their daughters, Grace and Olivia; grandson Sam Grogan and his wife Joy Cathey and their daughter, Zoe; nieces Nancy Fiedler and Janice Melsom, and nephew John Melsom.
Irene was born and raised in Troy, New York and earned her nursing degree and business administration degree from academic centers in Albany, New York. She married Don shortly after his return from the European Theater during World War II and together they raised two children all the while Irene was committed to a career of service in the health care arena. Although most of her career and family life was spent in upstate New York, she and Don relocated to Southern California in the mid 1980’s and settled in San Diego shortly after that.
It was here that Irene enjoyed some of the most special friendships and relationships that defined her later years and help her come to grips with the legacy of a rich and varied life as well as the infirmities that accumulated in pace with her years: special and deep friendships with Jennifer Freedman – who was like a daughter, Emily Freedman – who was like another beloved granddaughter, and Barbara Seyfried – a soulmate. For each of you and others who shared of themselves with Irene, our family thanks you.
While Irene’s friends helped support and buoy her through her years in San Diego, her family was her constant. Son Bruce and grandson Sam were her rocks and provided a great deal of strength and solace to her. And their daughters – Grace, Olivia, and Zoe – were the light of her life. They gave her much pleasure, as well as the reason for just one more shopping trip to her beloved Nordstroms.
A fiercely independent woman, committed to family and friends alike, Irene’s twinkling blue eyes will always remind us of a spirit refusing to be quenched, of a passion not to be dimmed, and of a person not to be taken lightly! May she finally rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Irene Grogan may be made to Father Joe’s Mission in San Diego.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18