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Simmons University University of New Hampshire

Virginia Griffin Obituary

WINDHAM - Sister Virginia Griffin (formerly Sister Agnes Michael), 89, a Sister of Mercy for 48 years, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, after a brief illness.

A native of Portsmouth, she was the daughter of Michael J. and Agnes (Buckley) Griffin.

Sister Virginia held a bachelor's degree in education, social studies and mathematics from Plymouth Teachers College, and an master's degree in education from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. She pursued further studies in mathematics at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., and Simmons College in Boston. She also did further study in theology at Rivier College in Nashua and Mount St. Mary College in Hooksett.

Before entering the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Virginia taught mathematics at Portsmouth High School. As a Sister of Mercy, she taught mathematics at Bishop Brady High School in Concord and Mount St. Mary High School in Nashua. She was also a teacher at St. Patrick School in Portsmouth and St. Ann School in Gloucester, Mass.

Family members include her brother, Father Michael Griffin of Manchester; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

WE REMEMBER: After retiring from full-time teaching, Sister Virginia became involved in the Foster Grandparents Program and served as a tutor at Portsmouth Middle School for more than 15 years. In 2005, she received a Spirit of Life Award from the Portsmouth Rotary Club in recognition of her service to the community.

SERVICES: Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at the Warde Health Center, 21 Searles Road, Windham. At 11 a.m., a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in the chapel. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 21 Searles Road, P.O. Box 420, Windham, NH 03087-0420. Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, has care of the arrangements. To send a message of condolence to the family, view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Seacoastonline.com on Jan. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Griffin

5 Entries

barbara welch

January 17, 2010

Ginnie, as we wewre fortunate enough to be allowed to call Sister Virginia, was a dear friend to my mother and father as well as to us kids. She was a frequent companion in our house, particularly on Sunday's as my brother Jack has mentioned, before she became a nun and again after her retirement. She taught me to iron by doing her handkerchiefs and to make jello. She showed by example, the ability to be happy wherever she was, to be a lifelong learner, and to reach out with a smile and a story. And most recently she taught me about grace. Ginnie was and is well loved. We were blessed to have her as a friend.

January 11, 2010

My sympathies to the family of Sister Virginia Griffin. She was a math teacher and friend while she was in Lebanon, N.H. many years ago. I also appreciate her friendship with my sister, Muriel Manson, who died last year at St. Anne's Rehab Hospital in Dover, N.H.
Bill Manson, Annapolis MD

Jack Welch

January 9, 2010

Sister Virginia has been a close friend of my mother and our family since they were in high school together. I have fond memories of watching the television show "Maverick" together on Sunday nights. She's a kind,thoughtful and generous soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Father Mike and your family.

Janice Bradley

January 8, 2010

Sister Virginia was such a special person. We will forever remember her smile & stories.
I will always remember the "miracle" she made happen for my Granddaughter in La.
When she asked for snow & thought Sister Virginia had connections. Well it snowed.
We will miss you,
Janice & Chuck Bradley
Portsmouth,NH

Mici Holt-Corti

January 7, 2010

Sister Virginia will always hold a special place in my family's heart, she was such a wonderful person and was always such a good friend to my grandmother! My heartfelt condolences to Father Mike and the Griffin family!

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

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