Honora Jane O'Grady

Honora, affectionately known as Nora, 69, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, October 25, 2021.  

Honora was born in Newark, New Jersey on Dec 7, 1951, the daughter of Dr. Michael and Jane O’Grady.  Nora was the youngest of three and was raised in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.  She was a lifelong animal lover and animals always had a way of gravitating towards her.  Nora started riding at the age of 6 and it was one of her life’s greatest passions, traveling to Ireland to buy her first horse with her father.  After graduating from Glen Ridge High school Nora pursued an equestrian career at Mt. Ida College in Massachusetts.  She then attended Meredith Manor to further her equestrian education.  Nora moved to Sherborn, MA after graduation.  She taught riding at Mt. Ida, was an equine vet tech with Dr. Ann Williams, and worked locally in many horse stables teaching and training horses for many years. The true pride and joy of her life were her children, oldest Katharine and triplets Nicholas, Samuel, and Elizabeth.  Nora was an incredible mother and always went to the ends of the earth to make sure her kids were happy.  If she wasn’t working with horses or rescuing some type of animal you could always find her with her kids.   Nora was a phenomenal cook and loved having everyone around the table sharing a meal together.  She had a wonderful open-door policy and loved being a “Mom” to everyone.  Later in life she relished becoming “Tayto” to her grandchildren.  Her home was always filled with laughter and stories.  Nora was a longtime resident of Sherborn before moving to Milford.  

Nora will be lovingly remembered and eternally missed by her children Katie Van Blarcom of Norwood, MA; Nick and wife Kelly Van Blarcom of West Hartford, CT; Sam and wife Laura Van Blarcom of Sherborn, MA; and Liza Van Blarcom of Chester, CT; her grandchildren Emma Van Blarcom and Beau Van Blarcom; her beloved brother Liam O’Grady and wife Grace of Alexandria, VA; Sister in law Sandy O’Grady of Phoenix, AZ; and nieces and nephews Jessica, Colin, Maura, Emma, Michael, Will, Wynn, and Tatum; her former husband Kenneth Van Blarcom of Natick, MA; and her adored dog Janie, as well as many other extended family members and friends.  

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Dr. Michael J O’Grady and Jane O’Grady, and her brother Michael J O’Grady Jr.  

All are invited to a memorial celebration of Nora's life at the Sherborn Community Center, located at 3 Sanger St. Sherborn, MA, on November 13th, 2021 at 1:00 pm.  Service will be followed by a reception.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Nora may be made to an animal shelter of your choice or to UMass Chan Medical School in support of stroke research.  Donations can be made online at www.umassmed.edu/give or checks can be mailed to 333 South St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.  In the memo line please include her name and that it is to benefit stroke research.  

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