Griffith, Dorothy

Dorothy “Dottie” Griffith, strong, steadfast, resilient and very loving woman, died at the age of 87 on June 10, 2022. She was surrounded by loved ones, in peace and comfort during her final days, at the home she built with her husband in 1971.

Dottie bravely faced 26 years of surgeries, treatments, and

complications from a vast array of primary cancers and did so with true grit! She showed outstanding grace and gratitude throughout her dying process. This amazing and unique woman has at last achieved eternal peace.

She enjoyed the town of Berlin, CT as a life-long resident and graduate of Berlin High School, where her yearbook caption read “swell as she is tall.” Always hard working in a variety of positions, she spent the second half of her career as a medical secretary in New Britain.

Dottie absolutely loved the beach and her summer home and summer friends in Rhode Island. She had a keen eye for spotting sea glass during her long walks along the shore. She was an outstanding crafter who pursued many different mediums, becoming well known in the Connecticut craft fair circuit for her perfect counted cross stitch creations. She was proud to knit over 150 scarves for the Seamen's Church Institute. Dottie was a devoted fan of Uconn Women's Basketball, Uconn Men's Basketball, the New York Mets, and the New York Giants and never missed an opportunity to watch their games. She enjoyed travel with Bob in retirement, visiting 10 national parks, Alaska, Canada, Iceland, France, Germany and Italy.

She hosted memorable Christmas dinners, family parties, and backyard barbeques where all felt welcomed and loved. Her spaghetti sauce, barbequed hamburg, and sweetheart salads are legendary.

Dottie leaves behind her devoted husband Robert “Bob” Griffith, one dear daughter Sharon Saunders, son-in-law John Saunders, and two extra-special granddaughters, Erin Kalla and Shelby Saunders, as well as an extended loving family on both sides, including sister Karen Anderson, brother Joseph Crowell and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dottie loved to give and receive hugs, and by sharing hugs with those around you, you can honor her memory. Dottie is grateful to the St. Gabriel's Church family who gave her a sanctuary of peace from childhood to her dying days. She requests any donations on her behalf be made to St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 68 Main Street, East Berlin, CT 06023, where a memorial service

for her will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m.