Florence Griffin

Hartman’s Corner – Florence S. Griffin, 91, a longtime resident of Washington, New Jersey died of natural causes at her home on Thursday August 6th, surrounded by her seven surviving children. With her husband, the late John J. Griffin, she shared 37 years of married life and raised nine children. Born in 1923 in Bayonne, New Jersey, Florence was the second of four daughters born to William and Mary (Brannigan) Sherman. She graduated from Bayonne High School and Katherine Gibbs College. She began her professional life on Wall Street, as executive secretary to the president of Stone and Webster Securities. After raising her nine children, she worked as a paralegal in her husband’s law practice, retiring in 1988. In 1949, Florence married John J. Griffin of Bayonne. After living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for about two years, they returned to New Jersey and settled in Washington in 1952. Florence was a parishioner of St Joseph’s Catholic Church of Washington, where she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, the Couples Club and the Social Club. Florence devoted herself to her children, all of whom graduated from college. Her strong Catholic faith provided a superb example for them. She spent countless hours helping with schoolwork and driving to activities and sports. After her children became adults she continued to provide a welcoming home for them and for her grandchildren. Her characteristic wit, grace and quiet strength made her the nucleus of the family. Florence will be fondly remembered by her large and loving family: by her surviving children, Jack Griffin and his wife Caroline, Dan Griffin and his wife Lynda, Bob Griffin and his wife Lynn, Kathy (Griffin) Neset, Joe Griffin, Pat Griffin and Bill Griffin and his wife Janet; by her grandchildren Julie and John Griffin; Michelle Walker and Daniel Griffin; Jessica Uporsky, Rebecca Muncy, Mary, Bobby, Emily, Kathy and Maggie Griffin; RC and Randy Neset; Mike and Andrea Griffin; Patrick and Meta Griffin; and Mike, Jack and Kelly Griffin; by five-great grandchildren; and by her sister June Goldate. Florence was preceded in death by her husband John J. Griffin, her sons Mike and Jim Griffin, and by her sisters, Muriel Gallagher and Delores McDermott. Friends and family may pay respects Monday August 10 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Avenue, Washington NJ 07882. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday August 11 at 10:00 AM at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 200 Carlton Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882. Contributions or memorials may be made to St Joseph’s Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. To send an online condolence please go to www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com