MARY "SALLY" GROVES (DODD), 62, died peacefully March 5, 2012 at Mass General Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on October 3rd, 1949 in Newton, MA, the daughter of Spencer S. Dodd Jr. and the late Mary Hymers Dodd. She attended Newton High School and graduated in 1967. She fulfilled a lifetime wish of earning her bachelor's degree in Management in 2005, finishing Summa Cum Laude.
She married Richard D. Groves of Arlington, MA on June 22, 1974 and enjoyed 38 years filled with love and laughter with her best friend. She was the loving mother of her three children, Robert D. Groves of Alexandria, VA, Rebecca M. Groves of Merrimack, and Kenneth J. Groves of Boston, MA. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Laura Groves; her future son-in-law, Douglas Laliberte; her brother, James Dodd, and his wife Joann of Charleston, SC,her sister in-law, Nancy Miller and her husband Ed, several nieces, nephews, cousins and an aunt.
For over 20 years, Sally worked in the Amherst school district. She especially enjoyed her time at Souhegan High School from 1991-2006, when she retired. There she made many close friends and became well-loved by faculty and students alike. In addition, she was instrumental in managing the business functions of her husband's dental practice.
Sally's passions included traveling, genealogy, gardening, golfing and spending time with her family and pets, including her beloved dog Lily, and her cats Groucho and Dusty. With her husband, she traveled throughout the Pacific, Europe, The Caribbean and the United States. Lifelong memories were formed at places including Guam, Scotland, and Scottsdale. She especially cherished walking the beaches of the world with her husband, Richard.
In her later years, genealogy became a significant part of Sally's life, as she traveled throughout New England discovering her family lineage with her niece Kathy Kaldis. Together, they also enjoyed their experiences as part of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 10 at the Rivet Funeral Home & Crematorium, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH, from 12- 3 PM. Burial will take place this spring in Dennis Village Cemetery, Dennis, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sally's name to the American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Dr., Bedford, NH 03110.