Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Patricia Griffith Obituary
Patricia King Griffith, a longtime resident of Dewitt and Fayetteville, died Monday, April 23, in Falls Church, VA, at the age of 86. Originally from Livingston, Montana, Pat trained as a registered nurse in Iowa City after WWII. She married Stewart Griffith in 1948 and stayed at home with her four children until Stew's sudden death in 1964. Pat worked at Genesee Hills Elementary School as a school nurse/teacher until 1972. She then worked as a psychiatric nurse at the Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse, from which she retired in 1987. Pat was an extremely active civic, political and educational volunteer and proud feminist. She was president or officer of many local organizations. Pat gave more than her time. She gave of herself in a never-ending series of causes--wherever she thought she might be able to help. She was a very active member of DeWitt Community Church for 50 years.
Pat is survived by her four children, Anne, Gail, Deborah and Spencer, and by her five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the AAUW Educational Opportunities Fund, PO Box 98045, Washington, DC 20090.
A memorial service will be held noon Friday, May 4, at DeWitt Community Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Griffith
Sharon Wuerschmidt
May 4, 2012
I met Pat through AAUW. I know that all AAUW members salute her life, especially Syracuse area and Jefferson County Branch AAUW.
May 4, 2012
I remember Pat's enthusiasm! As an AAUW volunteer, she picked us up at the airport for a conference, in a station wagon, and regaled us with stories of the plantings of wildflowers in the highway median! She understood the workings of the legislature and wasn't timid about speaking to anybody! We need more women with her spunk! Phyllis Anderson, Smithtown AAUW, Long Island
Donna Seymour
May 4, 2012
Pat is one of the first people I met outside of my own branch in AAUW. She is fondly remembered by many in the state and was much admired for her tireless efforts on AAUW issues. She was certainly an inspiration to me and helped to develop my interest in public policy issues as a new AAUW member. Rest in peace, Pat.
May 3, 2012
please accept our most heartfelt sympathy. natalie and jerry happek
Jack Kilrain
May 3, 2012
I was lucky enough to meet Pat several times at Gail & Terry's house for sings. She always was full of laughter and life and wisdom. I am sure she will be missed. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Franceline Leary
May 2, 2012
My deepest sympathy. She certainly sounds like someone to be very proud of. In addition when the going gets tough, It is the memory of people like this that helps the rest of us to know that we can cope and succeed.
Joyce Cockerham
May 2, 2012
I'm sorry for your loss.
Andrew Sapoznikov
May 2, 2012
My deepest condolences to Anne, Gail, Debbie and Skip. I always thought your mom was a cool lady. I'm glad she had such a full life!
Eileen Hartmann
May 2, 2012
On behalf of the AAUW New York State Board of Directors I am conveying our deepest sympathy to Pat's family members. She was an active and informed member of our organization and supporter of the goals of AAUW. Pat brought people to her side with her smile and sparkle and kept friends engaged by her pleasant and knowledgeable conversation.
Tom Muench
May 1, 2012
Skip, Anne, Gail, and Debby, I have prayed for you all and your mom. It is never easy to say good bye, yet I know that your Mom will be looking out for you and your families. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. We still live at the same house. Just stop by. Tom Muench
May 1, 2012
Pat was a great lady and did enjoy bridge with our AAUW Syracuse branch.She will be missed by all that knew her.
Ann Sanderson
Nancy LeVine Marcus
May 1, 2012
So sorry for your loss, Skip.
Nancy Clausen
April 30, 2012
Pat was one of the most gracious women I have known. She tirelessly gave of her time, talents and enthusiasm to AAUW on the local, state and national levels. We in the Syracuse Branch will miss her greatly.
Katie Ballway-Gang
April 30, 2012
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was fortunate to have her as my school nurse. She was a great comfort to me when I was ill. She was a wonderful woman.
dawn thomas
April 30, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss, pat took care of me as a teenager on atelession unti, she tought us CPR i was 15 back in the 70"s she was always filled with a smile
April 30, 2012
Fond memories of Pat taking care of all the kids when Genesee Hills was overflowing with students - always with a smile.
joyce homan
Steve Gressani
April 30, 2012
Hello Skip. Sorry to learn of your mom's passing. My condolences are with you and your family.
Reginald
April 30, 2012
I'm sorry to hear bout your lost. I know this is a very sad and hard time. May the God of all of comfort be with you at this time. (2 cor. 1:4)
Joe Szombathy
April 30, 2012
Skip and family- thoughts are with you all. Amazing woman who lived a wonderful life.
Sandra Herschkorn
April 30, 2012
I have fond memories of her when she mentored the children (particularly mine now ages 51 and 46 respectively) when she worked at Genesee Hills elementary school. May she RIP.
April 30, 2012
It was a delight and a privilege to be part of Pat's extended family for many years in Syracuse and in her summer cottage at the St. Lawrence River. She lived a life full of meaning and service and raised a wonderful family. She gave unstintingly to her community, using her energy to promote the causes she cared about. I remember that even when she was in a retirement home, she reminded the other residents to vote in every election. We will always remember her beautiful smile and cheerful laugh as well as the special qualities that made her so memorable. Joyce and Gil Ross
April 30, 2012
I am so sorry to read about your mother's death. She was a great lady. Regretfully I have a previous commitment on Friday but will have you all in my heart. Lovingly, Sue Moskal
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Patricia Griffith's name
Memorial Events
for Patricia Griffith
How to support Patricia's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Patricia Griffith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
