Susmann-Grogan, Marsha Marie a long-time resident of Wellesley, passed away on December 21, 2016 after a long and brave battle against cancer. She was the daughter of Winthrop and Phyllis Thompson, of Worcester. She was predeceased by her sister, Sue-Ellen Thompson-Pattiselano, mother to two of Marsha's nieces.
She leaves her husband, Robert Grogan, of Wellesley. She leaves her son, Austin Susmann, of Wellesley and his partner Kasia Ciesla, and daughter, Natalie Susmann and her husband Alexander Stanmyer, of Newton Centre. She leaves her mother-in-law, Virginia Grogan, brother and sister-in law, William and Michelle Grogan, and their children. She also leaves sister and brother-in-law Richard and Diane Porinno, and their children. She leaves many loved friends and colleagues.
Marsha was raised in Worcester, and was a graduate of Doherty Memorial High School. She later moved to Wellesley, where she lived for over thirty years. She worked for Tenacre Country Day School and Camp, and later was the assistant manager for Wellesley Bank on Washington Street for many years. She also worked as a real estate agent at CRG Realty in Newton Centre.
She received a Bachelors in Environmental Science and Horticulture from Nasson College (Maine). She was an extremely skilled gardener and farmer. She cared for two community garden plots, a flock of chickens, beehives, and kept hundreds of house plants. She loved boxers, and owned four. Her last boxer, Haus, was her joy, and was a great comfort during her treatments.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt.16) Wellesley, on Friday December 23 from 2-5pm followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 5pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. Marsha's brave spirit was recognized by all who met her. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in her name to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research program, payable to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Attention Hillary D. Repucci, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline MA 02455.