Janet E. (Marr) Grolley

PORTLAND – Janet E. Marr Grolley, 75, passed away July 11, 2024 at the Gosnell House in Scarborough.

Janet was born in Rumford on March 28, 1949. She was the third child of James D. Marr, a native of Rumford, and M. Dorothy Gallant from Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Janet graduated from Stephens High School in 1967 and Husson University (College) in 1971. Janet was a beloved business teacher at Bonny Eagle High School for many years and loved every minute of interaction with students and faculty. Janet’s love for education and students began after graduating from Husson University (College), when she started her teaching career in East Montpelier, Vt. Continuing her education, she enrolled in classes at the University of Vermont which led to a master’s of in Business in Education, eventually transferring to the University of Southern Maine.

While at Husson, Janet met the love of her life, John Grolley, from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Actually, John and Janet were partners in Biology class dissecting a fetal pig. Of course, during almost 50 years of marriage, when disagreements bubbled up she would blame the relationship and eventual marriage on the Formaldehyde wafting through the lab. A story that is true and brought many smiles to friends and family.

Janet loved life and her many friends, students, nature, learning, traveling and of course animals of all kind (even an African Aquatic Frog that she owned for 20 years). However, most recently, her cats (two of the past, Bandon and Sal) and currently, Bandon 2.0, who she adored, take the top spot.

Janet is survived by her husband, John J. Grolley Jr.; and her only child, James J M Grolley who was truly the apple of her eye. Also, she is survived by her brother, Keenan Marr and spouse Linda of Connecticut; and many other friends and relatives.

Lastly, Janet was predeceased by her sister, Karen M. Buckingham in 2018.

Janet’s funeral will be on July 27 at 11 a.m., at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Ave., in Portland. A funeral reception will follow at Sheraton Sable Oaks, 200 Sable Oaks Dr., in South Portland.

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation in her memory to

Brigham and Woman’s Hospital

(The Brigham Legacy Society and Janet Grolley in the memo line, if a check)