Obituary of Genevieve Griffiths

Mrs. Genevieve Griffiths was entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at the Ledgewood Rehabilitation section of Branford Hills Healthcare Center, Branford, CT. Genevieve, daughter of the late William and Bertha Reynolds Coleman was born in New Haven on January 30, 1914. She was married to Kenneth Griffiths for 52 years and they made their home in East Haven where she continued to reside for the past 64 years. She was educated in the New Haven public school system and graduated from West Haven High School in 1932. She began her working career as a sales representative at Ann Allen's dress shop in New Haven and from there became an executive secretary for the president of the United Illuminating Company. She took several years off to raise her two daughters during which time she was very active in the Old Stone Church of East Haven and the community. During these years she becarne president of the East Haven Women's Club of which she was a charter member, was mother advisor for East Haven Rainbow Assembly #17, a member of the Princess Chapter of the Eastern Star, a member of the original Garden Club of East Haven, the East Haven Historical Society and a founding member of the Knights and Dames Social Club. In the early 60's she returned to work as secretary to the Assistant Director of Athletics at Yale University. She retired from Yale in 1978. In her later years she continued to be very active in her church as a deaconess, chairman of the parlor committee, and an active member of the lay ministry and Women's Fellowship. Throughout her life she was beloved by everyone in her farnily as well as her many friends. Her wonderful smile and kind, thoughtful, generous nature will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Mrs. Griffiths is survived by her daughters Barbara Kavanagh of East Haven and Nancy Worms of Hamden; her son-in-law Donald Worms, her two granddaughters Wendy Worms and Katie Worms Donroe, her grandson-in-law Adam Donroe, great-grandson Oliver Donroe and nephews William and Russell Rose. She is predeceased by her husband Kenneth, her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Beatrice and Russell Rose and her son-in-law Edward Kavanagh. Family will greet friends at Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven on Sunday, January 13th from 4-6pm. Burial will be private. A Memorial Service celebrating Genevieve’s life will be held Monday,Jan.14th at 12(noon) in The Old Stone Church,251 Main St.,East Haven. Memorial contributions made be made to the Alzheimer'sAssociation 2911 Dixwell Ave. Hamden, CT (www.alzfdn.org), The American Cancer Society 38 Richard's Ave, Norwalk CT ( www.cancer.org/) or the Gift of Memorial Old Stone Church 251 Main Street East Haven, CT,06512.