Obituary of Philomena Groom

Philomena M. Groom, 2008 Beverly Volunteer of the Year, passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers with her family at her bedside on Wednesday morning, May 12, 2010. She was 72 years old. Philomena was born in Somerville, the daughter of the late Wayne and Philomena Headle. She made her home in Charlestown for almost 60 years. She attended St. Francis Elementary School and was a graduate of Girls Catholic High School in Malden. She married Ralph Groom and they raised their 4 sons in Charlestown. She worked for 20 years for Gillette in their Accounts Receivable Department. She spent 14 years in Gillette’s Prudential Office and the last 6 years in the South Boston office. Philomena’s live revolved around her community and children. She was proud to be a Charlestown “Townie”. She loved her friends and neighbors and worked hard to advocate for her neighborhood. If she believed in a cause, she would stand up for her beliefs. She helped out as a lunch monitor at her son schools. After her husband’s passing in 1993, she moved to Beverly. Although she missed her friends in Charlestown, her outgoing persona made it easy for her to make the change and meet new friends. She volunteered at the Beverly Council on Aging 3 days a week up until 2 weeks ago. She answered phones, and assisted seniors. In 2008, The City of Beverly recognized her service to the community and awarded her the recognition of Volunteer of the Year. She was a supporter in her sons’ activities and sports, especially baseball. She was a proud grandmother. She went to their plays, recitals, sports, and other special events and celebrations. She loved going to the beach with her children and later grandchildren. She leaves her family with a lasting memories filled with laughter and love. Philomena was the beloved wife of the late Ralph J. Groom, Sr. She was the loving mother of Ralph Groom, Jr. & his wife MaryJo of Wilmington, Michael Groom & his wife Christine of W. Peabody, David Groom & his wife Noreen of Burlington, and Paul Groom & his wife Bobbi of Marshfield. She was the sister of Laurence Headle & his wife Joan of Charlestown, the late Donald and Elizabeth Anne Headle. She was the loving grandmother of Patrick, Nicole, Brenden, Connor, Meghan, Mark, Brian, Zachary, Kaycie, Shayne, Tyler, Jillian, and Joshua. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, May 15 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Memorials in Philomena’s name may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, c/o Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St. B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For directions, obituary, & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net or www.saintmargaretschurch.net