Share Service Information for Mary Jo Grotenrath

Obituary

Mary Jo Grotenrath, born April 20, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022. Preceded in death by her parents Colonel Joseph A. Grotenrath and Mary Della (Castrigano) Grotenrath and siblings Dolores Boulware, Helen Sims and Joseph D. Grotenrath. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Joe, Mike, Greg and Dave Boulware, Eddie, Jodelle and John Sims, Joe Grotenrath and Gina Smith, their spouses and families. She was graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Mary Jo began her career as a solo practitioner in Columbus before returning to Washington, D.C. to join the United States Department of Justice. Her 35-year career there included four years as the first general counsel for the United States National Central Bureau of INTERPOL. As an Associate Director in the Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs, she served as head of the European extradition team. She received many honors, including appointments as an Honorary Deputy U.S. Marshall and Honorary Detective in the Metro Toronto Fugitive Squad; the Elvyn Holt Award from the National Association of Extradition Officials; two awards of appreciation from INTERPOL-USNCB; a commemorative flag from the FBI and the St. Gabriel Possenti Medallion. Mary Jo also authored a fictional book titled Interpol Imbroglio. A devout Catholic, she served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for many years at her Parish at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. The family offers a heartfelt special thank you to Janet Brimpong who provided compassionate care and companionship to Mary Jo in her final years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212, where family will receive friends from 11am to noon. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com