Smith, Eleanor M (Griffin)
Eleanor Griffin Smith of Port Charlotte Florida, formerly of West Hartford, CT passed away February 17, 2022. She was born February 12, 1929, to William and Helen (Rowley) Griffin in Winsted, CT and grew up in Meriden, CT. She was a graduate of St. Agnes School of Nursing and enjoyed working in Pediatrics. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout Leader, teaching Religious Education with her children and bookkeeping at her husband's business, Tip Top Tv on Park Rd in West Hartford. Spending summers at their cottage on Highland Lake in Winsted with her children, husband and family was her great joy, and she was one of the best water-skiing instructors to all who spent time at Merryland. She also enjoyed her many friends in her knitting group at St. Peter Claver Church in West Hartford and then her trips to Arcadia, FL with the outreach group at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Port Charlotte FL.
After retirement, she and Skippy enjoyed several trips in their Winnebago traveling to all 49 states, Canada and Mexico, plus visiting Hawaii by air.
Eleanor is survived by her children, Marilee (Allan) Dabkowski of Middlebury, CT; Maggie (Ed) Furstein of Port Charlotte, FL; Grandchildren Brian (Stacey), Paul (Angela) and Lauren Dabkowski; Danielle (AJ) Papendick; Kelly (Jim), Sandy (Phil) Smith; Amy (Fernando), Ashley (Shawna) Furstein. Great Grandchildren; Kayla, Kaiya, Trace, Phoenix, Pixie, Harley, Dante, Emanuel, Joseph and Theodore. Her Godson Toby O'Brien and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.
Eleanor was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Norman T. Smith, Sr. (Skippy). Her sons Norman T. Smith, Jr. and Peter E. Smith. Sisters Jean O'Brien and Anne Hansen, niece Linda Hansen and nephew David Hansen. Memorial Service will be held at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St, WH CT 06107, on May 14, 2022, at 11:00am. Burial immediately following in Fairview Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Ellie's name to: Carolyn's Place 137 Grandview Ave, Waterbury, CT 06708 or Peace River Wildlife Center 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway Punta Gorda, FL 33950
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