Patricia M. Griffin

Patricia M. Griffin died Dec. 17, 2008 in Everett, Wash.

Patricia Thomas was born June 14, 1939 in Minneapolis, Minn. She wed Burton J. Griffin in 1957. Her husband’s career took them west, where, after spending 27 years in Troy, they eventually settled in the Seattle, Wash., area.

Affectionately referred to as “The Grizz” her greatest love was her family. They will remember her for being the “rock of the family.”

Mrs. Griffin is survived by her husband and five daughters; Terri (Dave) Orcutt and their children Leah and Steven (Mindy); Tracey (Ben Longley) Griffin and her children Taylor and Joy (Aaron); Toni Griffin and her children Kate and Nathan; Kim (Darryl) Lien and their children Griffin (Nicole) and Jordan; and Jessica Griffin and her children Jacob, Dylan and Peyton.

The Griffins recently welcomed their first great-grandchild in September 2008, Shaley Rose Lien.  Mrs. Griffin is also survived by her sister, Terry Thomas of Lacrosse, Wis.; Judy and Bill Orr of Troy who are considered family; and an aunt and several cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Alice Thomas, her brother Ronald Thomas, and “special parents” Mike and Violet Laiti of Duluth, Minn.

A private family gathering was held on Dec. 20. On June 14, Mrs. Griffin’s family and friends will gather in the Seattle area to celebrate her life.