Norma Jean Hartnett
Norma Jean Hartnett, age 87, of Groton, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by close and extended family members. She is survived by sons and spouses: David Thomas and Nancy Ann, Douglas John and Patricia Lynn, and grandchildren Andrew James and Chelsea Elizabeth. She joins in spirit her loving husband, Thomas Hartnett; parents: Thomas Thornton and Olive (Goodrich) Thornton; daughter Elizabeth Hartnett; and sister Betty (Thornton) Desmarais.
Norma was born on January 14, 1938 in Miami, FL. Her parents were in the hospitality industry in Florida but after a brief time, the family moved to Groton where her parents built a comfortable ranch on Gratuity Road. This was the start of Norma’s love for Groton, and she flourished as she grew up and established roots in the community.
Norma loved the uniqueness of Groton that would ultimately be her lifelong home. Norma met her husband Tom at Groton High School and they married soon after graduation.
After their marriage, Tom joined the Army and served in the Company B Ski Troops in Alaska. When Tom was sent to Alaska, Norma decided, at the age of 19. that she was going too. The two of them had experiences there that they would always share with family in later years. After two years in the Army, Norma and Tom returned to Ayer, and then West Groton to raise their family.
Norma was instilled with a strong work ethic at a young age, helping her parents run their family business while a young girl in grade school. She eventually took her first job as a typist with the IRS in Washington state. After returning from Alaska, she established her roots in town and began a 35-year career working in the Groton Public School system. Norma excelled in several administration positions supporting the school system including the student guidance department, the Superintendent of Schools, and the high school principal offices. Eventually Norma was promoted to supervisor, overseeing the performance of the high school administration staff.
After a long working career, Norma and Tom retired and built their dream home in Groton and continued to stay involved with the community together with enjoying their hobbies, close friends, and family. She loved her retirement home and received much pleasure from the wild deer and turkeys that would frequently walk through the yard and eat her bushes.
She will be greatly missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the “Thomas D. Hartnett Memorial Scholarship Fund”, c/o Commissioners of Trust Funds, 173 Main Street Groton, MA 01450.
Calling hours will be held Friday, December 19 from 4-6 p.m. at McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main St. (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA 01432. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 20 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Parish worshiping at St. James Church, 13 St. James Ave., West Groton, MA. Burial services will be private. Arrangements by McGaffigan Funeral Home, Pepperell. Please see www.McGaffiganFuneral.com