Beth Ellen O'Grady (64), of Salem, passed away on Wednesday October 30, 2024. Beth is survived by her husband Douglas Bollen and their furry son Rebel and her brother Paul O'Grady. Beth is predeceased by her mother Theresa (Pcheny) O'Grady, her father John O'Grady, and her brother Stephen O'Grady.

This obituary was written by myself in anticipation of my death. Please know I did my best to hang in there as long as I could and fought a good fight against pancreatic cancer which was diagnosed on August 2023. It was a shock to know I would not live the long life I had envisioned, but I tried to make the most of the short time I had left. It was my personal choice to not have any post death arrangements as it has been a long goodbye. If you were part of my life, it is because you enhanced it somehow. I am heartbroken to leave behind my husband Doug Bollen and our furry son Rebel "The King". I can't imagine not being here for them, and leaving life this early was not in my plans.  If there is something you want to do, or something you want to tell someone, do it now while you can as this life does not guarantee us anything but this moment.

I spent many years in the newspaper business. First at the Salem Evening News, then at the Boston Herald. The golden age of newspapers was something amazing to live through, and it was sad to see it come to an end in my lifetime.

I spent my entire life living and/or working in Salem. For years I dreamed of 'getting out', but when I got older Salem suddenly seemed like the most interesting place to live, and I started a little walking tour company called Salem with Beth. I hosted guests from around the world and from almost every state, and it was incredibly fun. If you are lucky enough to find work you love, you are truly blessed.

I volunteered quite a bit in Salem, acting as Board Member and President of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, and President of the Stephen. M. O'Grady Scholarship Foundation in memory of my brother Stephen. I'm proud of what we accomplished and thank everyone who helped support our mission over the years, ensuring that Stephen's memory and name will live on.

I am leaving behind an incredible group of friends who were my chosen family. I had my OG friends from childhood, my newspaper friends, my running friends, my dance friends, my dog friends, my history loving friends and so many more. To say I felt love and supported during my illness would be a massive understatement. I was entirely overwhelmed at the outpouring of prayers sent my way and I am certain that love gave me extra time on earth.

I believe our spiritual life goes on when our body dies, and I hope to find that is true. I have family, friends, and dogs on the other side that I hope will show me the ropes on the next part of my journey.

If you'd like to do something in memory of me, live your life to the fullest. Every day. Every moment. Remind those you love how special they are. Live with no regrets. Remember there is always some beauty in every day.

Love to you all.

Per Beth's request, there will be no services held. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

Please plan to attend our fundraising event in Memory of Beth on May 31, 2025 at the Winter Island Function Hall, 9:00AM-1:00PM.  All proceeds will go to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research! Donations can be made in the following link in Beth's memory: https://events.lustgarten.org/fundraiser/6038112 .