Margaret Connolly

Margaret (Fitzpatrick) Connolly was born in Boston in 1927 and raised in Pepperell. Margaret moved to Groton after marrying James Connolly. The Connollys lived and raised their four children in West Groton, where they enjoyed the tight-knit community.

At the time, the neighborhood had many amenities, including a school, library, store, factories that provided employment, and community events like the Labor Day Firemen’s Muster, which she discusses in the interview. 

Margaret’s first job was as a telephone operator in Ayer for Fort Devens during World War II. She describes downtown Ayer and the railroad bringing soldiers to the Fort. Later, she would work for the Public Spirit newspaper in Ayer as a typesetter.

She was also an election worker for many years during the Groton elections. Her husband Jim was first a volunteer firefighter and then a Fire Chief from 1982 to 1994.

Margaret resided at Nashoba Park in Ayer during the interview but has since moved to Raynham, Massachusetts.