Ellen Marie Griffin
August 18, 1934 ~ January 6, 2019
South Portland - Ellen M. Griffin, 84, passed away on January 6, 2019 at Maine Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 18, 1934 in Portland, Ellen was the daughter of the late James and Marie (Thunberg) Downs. She attended Holy Cross Grammar School, graduated from St. Joseph's Academy, and proudly attended Nursing School at Mercy Hospital with intentions of being a nurse. But she soon fell in love with and married William J. Griffin in 1954 and put aside her career to raise her five children on a foundation of love and support.
Throughout their life, Ellen and Billy loved to entertain, travel, and take family vacations on Higgins Beach. Ellen enjoyed cooking and always had a hot meal on the table, was constantly taking care of and giving selflessly to others, and remained strong for her family through the devastating losses of her husband and son, Billy. Family was everything to Ellen and she found no greater joy than spending time and making memories with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Strong-willed, sometimes stubborn, but always loving, she is a treasured "Mom" and "Gram" who will be deeply missed.
Ellen was predeceased by her husband, William J. Griffin, Sr.; son, William J. Griffin, Jr.; son-in-law, Richard "Dickie" Nee; grandsons, Seamus and Coleman Nee; brother, Thomas Downs.
She is survived by her children, Colleen Salvo and husband Gerard of Portland, Kathryn Nee of Scarborough, James Laughlin Griffin of South Portland, Coleman Griffin and wife Renee of South Portland; grandchildren, Kerry, Daniel, Ryan, Billy, Patrick, Bridie, Mary, Annie, Liam and Alice; great-grandchildren, Finnegan, Grace, Seamus, and Fiona. Ellen is also survived by her siblings, Margaret Malpass of Scarborough, Doris Valente and her husband Tom of Westbrook, Marie Brazil of CA, Carl Thunberg of CT and Geraldine Merrill and husband John of Portland, and many loved nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours celebrating Ellen's life will be held on Friday, January 11 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Saturday, January 12 at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Ellen's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In recognizing that Ellen's grandchildren meant the world to her, donations in her name may be made to support research for Rett Syndrome by visiting https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/rett-syndrome-association-of-massachusetts-boston-2019/marynee2
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Knowing you are pain free and with your loves in heaven will help with the loss in time. Thank you for the friendship and for 20 years of being the best next door neighbor ever. Remembering you sitting outside in the sun with Betty and in peace. Those memories are with me in this sad time. Will miss our check in calls or to ask you to come out when the kids were here. Hard to say good -bye Ellen so rest in peace. Pat
– Pat Flaherty
I will Never Forget The Kindness Ellen Gave to me when Living on Bonnybank Terr. I would Talk with Ellen and Betty for Hours. Ellen was so Proud of her Children and Grandchildren. I will Cherish Some of our Meaningful Talks. May You Rest Easy My Sincere Condolences to The whole Griffin Family Margaret Coyne Wilkes
– Margaret
Offering our mindful and prayerful support during this difficult time. Sincerely, Adam and Caitlin Walker
– Adam and Caitlin Walker
Condolences to Ellen’s Family, very sorry for your loss. Carla
– Carla Bryson
My condolences to all of Ellen’s family. She was a wonderful person and three generations of Grattos are in her debt. For years she helped my Nana and Aunt Tessie at 381 Broadway. My parents loved her for that and all of her babysitting when we were kids. She, her parent and her siblings were part of the landscape of our youth. She was always a loving, sweet, funny and nurturing presence. With love, Kathy Gratto Platzman
– Kathy Platzman