Anne Griffin

ANNE MARIE GRIFFIN 1946 - 2019 It is with great sadness that the family of Anne Marie Griffin of Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, announce her passing in Grand Falls-Windsor on September 15, 2019. Born on September 5, 1946 in Grand Falls to Stanislaus and Hilda (nee Delaney) Griffin, Anne attended Notre Dame Academy and was taught by the Presentation Sisters. She excelled academically at school and was passionate in her pursuit of education. Summers were spent in Placentia, the birthplace of her parents. After high school, Anne felt a call to enter the religious life and embarked on her post-secondary education at St. Bride’s College at Littledale Convent, St. John’s NL and graduated with full teaching credentials. She eventually decided to live her life as a lay Catholic and continued her career as a teacher. Anne returned to Grand Falls and the majority of her teaching career was spent at St. Francis Xavier Elementary in Windsor NL, from which she retired in the late 1990s. Beyond being a school teacher, Anne was an accomplished pianist. She taught and nurtured countless young aspiring pianists in Grand Falls, guiding them through many Kiwanis Music Festivals and accolades but most of all inspiring a life-long appreciation of music. Some of her former piano students pursued music degrees becoming professional musicians and music educators thanks to her fastidious tutelage in their early years. Playing piano and music in general were always a major part of Anne’s life. Her favourite composer was Mozart and she considered his music to be ‘transcendental and sublime’. She still has vinyl and a turntable which is rather fashionable these days. Upon retirement from teaching, Anne dedicated her efforts to her church. Within the diocese, she worked in the Office of Liturgy and as the Liaison for Pastoral Works. At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, she contributed through her service as a reader, choir member, musical accompanist, and as a member of many committees. Anne’s strong faith was reflected in her years of selfless service to her church community and it is that faith that sustained and comforted her to the end. Anne was predeceased by her parents, Stan and Hilda, her brother Peter Griffin, and her sister Mary Edwards (nee Griffin). She will be greatly missed by her beloved brother in law, Reginald Edwards of Grand Falls NL; her very close nephew and nieces, Glen Edwards (Patricia) of Grand Falls, NL; Valerie Edwards (Colin Boyd) of Dartmouth, NS; Nancy Edwards (Ian Fergusson) of Dartmouth, NS; Stephanie Edwards (Brian Greening) of Hammonds Plains, NS; and Jennifer Edwards, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay, NS; her grandnieces, Heather Edwards (Matthew Hutchings), Martha Edwards-Osmond (Ryan Osmond); and Mikayla Greening; her grandnephews Alex Boyd (Ana Dujakovic), Connor Boyd (Kara Melendy), Griffin Boyd (Sarah Larsen) and one great-grandniece, Erica Osmond. Visitations will take place at Central Funeral Homes, 45 Union Street, Grand Falls-Windsor, on Thursday, September 19th from 7:00 to 9:00pm, and Friday, September 20th from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm. The Mass of Christian Burial conducted by Bishop Anthony Daniels will be on Saturday, September 21st at 11:00am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Church Road, Grand Falls-Windsor. Pallbearers are Jerry Sullivan, Ross Cole, Glen Edwards, Dennis Power, Pierce Carey, and Don Pelley. Honorary pallbearer is Gary Vokey. The family extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre for their generous care and compassion. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Jim Maidment of Central Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.