Estelle Ruth "Babe" Giffin

Groton - Estelle "Babe" Ruth Giffin, 82, of Groton, passed away peacefully on Nov. 28, 2013, after a long illness. She was the beloved wife of the late James A. Giffin for 46 years.

Estelle was born in New Bedford, Mass. She earned her bachelor of science degree in education in 1953, from Worcester State College, Worcester, Mass., and her master of science degree in education from Southern Connecticut State College, New Haven, in 1974. She taught school for 37 years, the first 11 years in Wareham, Mass., and the remaining 26 years in Groton, until her retirement in 1990. As a first grade teacher in Groton, she taught many children to read. Estelle enjoyed bowling, cake decorating, and working with ceramics. Estelle and her husband James loved to travel together. They visited many places including Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Mexico, France, and Newfoundland. They especially enjoyed taking cruises. She was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, Groton.

Estelle is survived by her children, James Giffin of Seattle, Wash., Michelle Giffin of Windham, Nora (Giffin) Baldwin of Rockledge, Fla., Peter Giffin and Gregory Giffin of Groton; her five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Noreen Hemingway of South Dartmouth, Mass., along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Robert Giffin, and her two sisters, Julia Jones and Jacqueline Driscoll.

Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart Drive, Groton.

In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations in her memory be directed to the Fairview Nurses Fund, 235 Lestertown Road, Groton, CT 06340.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign her guest book, or to share a memory.