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Josephine Griswold Obituary
GRISWOLD
Billie Griswold, born June 13, 1956, died May 14, 2009 at University of California San Francisco Medical Center after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma. This is the obituary she wrote before passing.
In 1956, an unknown woman chose life instead of abortion. As a result, Billie Josephine Beemer was born. The choice was appreciated by family and friends. She was raised by her adoptive parents, Judge William and Helen Beemer, who preceded her in death.
Billie and her dearest friend, Isolde Zihn, remained friends for over 34 years. After graduating from UNR, Billie was given the opportunity to work for Court Services of Washoe County, a job that she loved for 22 years. She was blessed again when she met her husband and soul mate, Steven Griswold. For the past nine years, they have been constant companions. From shooting sporting clays, camping and fishing on a beautiful California lake, hunting on wintry peaks or the high desert, they spent every moment they could enjoying God's fabulous variety. They were the perfect combination; he, the patient teacher and she, the willing student. She knew what was important in life, relationships and love. She cherished her wonderful friends and family. Her greatest wish was that those whom she knew could see themselves through her eyes.
She is survived by her husband, Steven Griswold and her son, Joshua Horst. Her previous husband and friend, Dan Horst, preceded her in death. She is also survived by her loving in-laws, Bill and Evelyn Griswold and their children and grandchildren. She retained a loving relationship with her prior sisters and brothers-in-law and their children. She was preceded in death by her two daughters, Melissa and Christina Horst.
When diagnosed with cancer, she was given excellent and compassionate care by Dr. Conrath, St. Mary's Hospital, Home Health and Oncology/Radiation Departments and their excellent staffs. Court Services and Washoe County were supportive and patient as she tried to return to work. She received donations of sick time as well as expressions of love and friendship during her illness. Friends and family were willing to become bone marrow donors as well. She was truly blessed indeed. In lieu of flowers, donations to the wonderful Reno Cancer Foundation Inc., bcrfoundation.org, 1155 Mill Street, Reno, Nevada 89502, 775-329-1970, attn:Lois Bynum; would be appreciated. Location and time for a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Griswold
Debra Keele
May 30, 2009
I loved Billie as my closest friend for 51 years. So much we shared may not be known except between us. As life turns and changes so did our friendship but I have wonderful memories I will always have in my heart. I was glad that for even the short time she had with Steve she found the love and life she sought for so long. Be at peace Billie. As we said many times.. Man sees your actions..God sees your motives.
Tamsen
May 27, 2009
Thank you Billie for being a wonderful gift in my life. You lived this life with grace and passion, and your light always shown so bright. May the blessings be yours.
Genelle H
May 27, 2009
I met Billie at the Sheriff's Dept and worked w/her for over 20 years. She was one of the most kindest and compassionate people I knew. She was always happy..no matter if the situation was bad, she would find something good about it. I will miss her so much..My prayers go out to Steve and Josh. Rest in peace Billie. GH
Norma Lawler
May 26, 2009
I met Billie at UCSF over two years ago where we were both transplant patients. We became fast friends as we knew time could be so short (we just did not know how short). We always had a sense between us when one or the other needed encouraging words and there we were a email message or phone call. We always scheduled our appointments at UCSF so we could spend time together and make those visits a little more "friendly". She had a quick smile and was loved by all at UCSF. Steve and my husband became support partners with each other and we always said our meeting was meant to be. We meet a long term goal a week before she passed that the four us would go to a really nice resturant and have a wonderful dinner and drink wine! I will miss her with all my heart and there will never be anyone quite like her, so gracious, funny and truthful. Rest well my dear friend knowing you were so loved.
Alex Bacon
May 24, 2009
I met Billie but a few times and she was always so gracious and full of energy no matter how she was feeling. She had the most beautiful green eyes and engaging smile. She will be missed by everyone she touched. A big hug for Steve and Josh in their grieving.
Bud Bacon
May 24, 2009
I had the priviledge of meeting Billie & Steve at Sage Hill, where we shot sporting clays every Sunday. Billie always was happy and her smile brought joy to everyone. She will be truly missed. A gem of the universe is missing. Condolences to Steve & Josh.
Sandi Specht
May 24, 2009
I have known Billie since she was a child. We used to go camping and four wheeling with Christina and Ginger, my cocker spaniel. We hadnt seen each other for quite awhile but she was a special wonderful person and will be missed.
Jane Wirth
May 23, 2009
I met Billlie in SF where we were both patients at 11 Long. Her bright smile and upbeat attitude kept us all going. Billie inspired so many with her patience, kindness, and loving encouragement.I will miss her and hope she is truly resting in the peace she so deserves.
My most sincere sympathy to Steve, Josh and the rest of her family.
May 21, 2009
It seems like just yesterday I was at the Sheriffs Office and would get my coffee with Billie. It has been four years since I retired and left Reno. The memories of all the great people I worked with are still with my husband and I. Billie was a "great" friend to both of us and we cannot believe she is gone. She will be waiting to meet all of us with her beautiful smile at the gates of heaven. God keep her safe. Until then.
Eric and Becky Carney, Hobe Sound, Florida
Liz Foster
May 21, 2009
Goodbye Billie-you will be missed!
Cathy Logan
May 20, 2009
For Steve and Joshua.. I will miss Billie and we will see her again. We have such a short time here on earth and Billie made the most of it. She had the comfort of our Lord and the angels to lead her home.
Patricia Fries
May 20, 2009
I will miss receiving emails from Billie. No matter what she was going through, she would find a blessing.My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Margaret Neff
May 20, 2009
Steve and Josh,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Billie was one of the most loving people I have ever met. I was so blessed to have her as a friend for so many years at WCSO.
The last 4 years of her life she taught me so much about life. The way she would find beauty in the simplest things, the good she would find in every person around her, to put aside her pain and worry about yours.
Billie had a positive impact on every person she met. All it took was 10 minutes with her and you fell in love with her.
I will never forget her beautiful crystal clear laughter, the sparkle in her eyes and her love for everyone she knew.
I thank God every day that I was blessed to have known such a wonderful person.
RIP my dear friend, I will miss you so much.
I Love You Honey!
siobhan creedon
May 20, 2009
Bille and i became friends during her manys trips to S.F, she frequented the restaurant where i work,we formed a special bond and became the best of friends!!! i will miss her dearly.
marcie marin
May 20, 2009
To all who are mourning Billie's loss. She was a wonderful, kind and caring friend for many years. I remember the time she left 8 bags of groceries on my doorsteps when I had left an abusive marriage and had nothing to eat. I have passed that legacy on to others. I will miss her. MM
Mike Lawler
May 20, 2009
I met Billie during her treatment at UCSF and I knew that she was going though a nightmare of health issues, but she alway had a smile to share with everyone. I will miss her greatly.
Sandi Tunnell
May 20, 2009
Billie was such a wonderful woman. She was truly giving and loving to all that was around her. If you needed a hug or kind word you could count on her. I will miss her and the emails that we used to share. She was a one of a kind woman that fought the good fight to the very end. My sympathies to her entire family, as they will miss her the most.
May 20, 2009
Billie was an inspiration to many. I can only hope to emulate her spirit as she was one of a kind. She had a kind heart and never said a bad word about anyone; she was an angel on this earth. LS Reno NV
Jackie Welcher
May 20, 2009
Billie is one of the kindest and most compassionate people I have had the fortune to meet. She was always willing to talk to you about your problems and make them be not quite so tragic and far more dealable. Billie will be very missed by everyone. Jackie
Kevin Lieby
May 20, 2009
I will keep you always in my memories.You always cried when you reaad my poems.
Pamela Spencer
May 20, 2009
I feel so blessed to have known Billie. She was and will remain a true inspiration to me on the important things in life. She loved every minute she had on this earth and I know she would want all her family and friends to know that her spirit will remain with us always and though she is sad to have left us she is happy and healthy in her eternal life.
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