Elizabeth J. “Betty” Griffin, 92, passed away in the comfort of her family at the Vermont Respite House in Williston on Wednesday morning, March 9, 2016. Born in Montreal on April 22, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Aubrey F. and Jeanie (Brook) Vosburgh. Betty was previously married to Donald Wing. For 18 years Betty was married to William R. Griffin who predeceased her on January 2, 2011.
Betty grew up in Noyan, Quebec, where she attended schools. Following her education she moved to Montreal during WWII and was employed in a munitions plant helping support the Canadian war effort. In 1944, Betty came to the United States where she worked as a waitress for a number of years. Settling in Waterbury she began a new vocation at the Vermont State Hospital, becoming a psychiatric technician. She very much enjoyed her years there helping patients work toward healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Convivial and genuine, Betty loved people and the many relationships she developed throughout the years. A woman of strong faith, she was an active member and volunteer for many years at the Church of the Crucified One in Moretown. In her leisure time she enjoyed sewing, flower gardening, shopping and spending time with her large and loving family.
Betty is loved and mourned by her children, Sharon Wing Thurston and her husband Gary of Waterbury Center, Sylvia Wing Aylward and her fiancé Philip Baker of Waterbury, Valerie Wing Dudash and her husband Michael of Hayden, Idaho, Patti Wing Tomeny of Waterbury, Leonard Wing and his wife Dana of Morrisville, and Steve Wing and his wife Lynn of Waterbury; her 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; her stepchildren, Kim Guyette and her husband Bill of Waterbury Center, Penny Carpenter of Waterbury, Gary French and his wife Marcia of South China, Maine, and Richard Griffin and his companion Kelly Renaud of Eden; a sister-in-law, Sylvia Vosburgh, of Port Hope, Ontario; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Betty was predeceased by a son-in-law, Phill Tomeny, and three brothers, William, Vernon and Douglas Vosburgh.
Memorial services to celebrate the life of Elizabeth J. Griffin will be held from the Church of the Crucified One in Moretown on a date and time to be announced. Inurnment will take place in Waterbury Center Cemetery. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495 (www.vnacares.org). Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
