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Marie Griffiths Obituary

MARIE GRIFFITHS 1943 ~ 2016 Marie Griffiths dedicated her life to caring for others. Born in Philadelphia in 1943 to her loving parents, Frank and Marie Burns, she was the eldest sister to six younger brothers: Frank, Jack, Jim, Joe, Dan, and Bob. Her lifelong friend, Margaret Ennis, introduced her to chemist Peter Griffiths, who until then had intended to return to his home in Great Britain. Marie's 1,000-watt smile soon changed those plans, beginning a romance that would span forty-six years and ultimately survive her. The two moved to Athens, Ohio, where Marie became mother to her daughters, Siƒn and Megan. She earned her Bachelors degree at Ohio University, double-majoring in Anthropology and Social Work. Dedicated to the protection of abused children, she began her career at the Athens County Department of Children's Services. She continued this work in Riverside, California, during which time she balanced motherhood and a two-hour commute to earn her Masters of Social Work at the University of Southern California. In 1989, the family moved to Moscow, Idaho, where her love of the natural world could be fully indulged by the mountain views and passing moose, deer, and pheasants. A consummate hostess, the door to her home was always open. Marie was a wonderful mother, not only to Siƒn and Megan, but also to their friends and to the many research students who worked with Peter. After retirement, the couple moved to Ogden, Utah to be closer to their grandchildren, Gwendolyn and Oliver, as well as Siƒn and her husband Nathanael Myers. Marie's daughters strive to embody her gift for storytelling and also her humanity and spirit in their creative work, Siƒn as a novelist and Megan as a filmmaker. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Doctors Without Borders [events.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/mariegriffiths] or Heifer International (fundraise.heifer.org/mariegriffiths), to continue Marie's legacy of caring. She taught those around her the value of laughter, selflessness, courage, and a good political argument. Marie was first and foremost a people person, and she will be enormously missed by her family and the great many people whose lives she touched.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Mar. 22, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

I just saw the notice thatMarie(Dolly) Burns had passed away. Dolly and I grew up on Webster Street and attended Transfiguration school together. She and I went on to West Catholic, where we both played French Horn in the orchestra. We had the best of times. I hAve only good memories of her. My condolences to all of her family. God bless you all.

Mary Claire Trimber

September 9, 2016

Dear Pete and Family, Mike and I were devastated to hear about Marie. We loved our times with her and you and the girls when you lived here in Riverside. Marie was one of the funniest, smartest women I have ever known. The world has lost an amazing human being. Our hearts are with you all. Love, Nancy and Mike Rettig

Nancy Rettig

March 26, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Annie Horne

March 22, 2016

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