Elizabeth “Betty” Griffin, age 91, passed away comfortably at ManorCare Venice, FL, on Friday, March 15, 2013, surrounded by loving family members. She was born January 7, 1922 in Boston, MA, where she grew up.
Betty was employed by the Treasury Department for 13 years while raising her two daughters, Ellen (Griffin) Jackson of Venice, FL, and Linda (Griffin) Kidder of Dundee, FL. In 1973 she remarried her husband, William “Bill” Griffin, after a 25-year separation, and moved to Santa Barbara (Goleta), CA, where she worked for the Social Security Administration as a Claims Technician. Her New England accent soon triggered Betty’s co-workers to lovingly crown her with the nickname, “Boston”. Betty and Bill enjoyed their 28-year stay in the Santa Barbara area where they had many friends and good times. In 2001 Betty and Bill moved to Venice, FL, to be nearer to family members.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Bill and a brother, Richard Schira. She is survived by her previously mentioned daughters Ellen and Linda, a brother, John Schira of Dupont, WA, and her sisters-in-law, Cynthia Schira of Westport, NY and Joan Schira of Dupont, WA.
Betty is lovingly remembered by her four granddaughters – Kerri (Fitzpatrick) Kates formerly of Goleta, CA (now Pembroke, MA), Elizabeth Witham of Winter Haven, FL, Laura Jackowski of Hyde Park, NY, Karen Giehl of Groveland, FL, and seven great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Betty’s instructions, a scattering of ashes at sea and a “celebration of life” memorial with close friends and relatives will be held on a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Tidewell Hospice at www.tidewell.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org would be appreciated. Condolences for the family may be addressed to 510 Summerfield Way, Venice, FL 34292.
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