Frances "Barbara" Grogan

Frances “Barbara” Grogan (née McHenry) of Newtown Square, PA, passed peacefully in her sleep at home on April 11, 2026 at the age of 95.

Beloved wife of the late Thomas H. Grogan; loving mother of Thomas (Mary), Bruce, Victoria Palasch (Jay), Carol Riley (Jim), the late Stuart (Cathy), Janice Trevisani (John), the late Valorie, and Jack (Natalie). Devoted grandmother of 21 and dear great-grandmother of 22. Also survived by sister, Ann Estelle Cahill (the late Jim) and predeceased by parents, Francis and Emma (née Kennedy), and brother, Jack.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Barb was a proud graduate of Transfiguration grade school followed by West Catholic Girls High School Class of 1948. She then attended Misericordia Nursing School and did some traveling before getting married in April 1954. Barb then put her career on hold as she gave birth to “Irish Octuplets”, 4 boys and 4 girls in less than 10 years!

After losing her husband Thomas to lung cancer in 1970 she embarked upon a 25+ year career as a Labor & Delivery Nurse at Delaware County Hospital, being “in the room” for countless births of family and friend’s newborns! It was a challenge working third shift and trying to raise eight children in a three-bedroom row home. Her dynamic spirit carried her through those trying times of the 1970’s and set the work ethic example for her young adults.

As time went on Barb was able to do some traveling, particularly enjoying cruises with friends from work, Northwest Passage trips to Alaska were one of her favorites. At this time, she was also becoming “Grandmom” and continued to work at Delaware County until her retirement in 1995.

After retiring Barb relocated to Newtown Square and became a fixture at St. Anastasia daily Mass, a walk across the street every morning. She was also a voracious reader and enjoyed completing the JUMBLE and crossword puzzle in the Inquirer each day before General Hospital each day at 3!! She also loved the Jersey Shore, sitting in her beach chair, facing the Atlantic, reading her book and she was set for the afternoon!

Barb will be remembered for “always being there” for all family members and she will be dearly missed by all that were fortunate to get to know her over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing, Monday, April 20, 2026, 6 – 8 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082, and on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 9:30 – 10:30 AM at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by her Funeral Mass, 10:30 AM. Interment, SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions would be appreciated to Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation – Central Development – 240 N. Radnor Chester Road – Suite 340 – Radnor, PA 19087, referencing Byrn Mawr Hospice in memory of Barbara Grogan.