1945 – 2022
Ledyard – Karen (Holden) Griffin 76, of Sunset Avenue, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, with her family by her side. She was the loving wife of Keith Griffin who survives her. Karen was born September 28, 1945, in Hackensack, NJ and was raised in Maywood, NJ. She was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Ethel (Meyer) Holden.
Karen’s legacy began in 1964 when a bucket of water was dumped on her head from a dormitory window above her. The person responsible would later become her husband of 54 years. She graduated from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL. She taught one year before becoming a wife to a United States Navy Submariner. For 20 years she would be Navy Wife Extraordinaire, raising a daughter and son in very challenging circumstances that only military families would understand. While juggling military life and parenting she also worked as a teacher’s aide for Gallop Hill Elementary School.
Karen’s journey did not stop after her children left the nest. She had the fortune of being grandmother to six boys. Grammie dearly loved them. She did not miss any of their events. This is not an exaggeration! Although most often situated on a field in Lebanon she made sure to travel 3 hours to NH to attend any of “The NH Boys” various sporting events. If we had to guess what her grandsons remember most it might be Christmas. Her demands for “The Christmas List” began on Thanksgiving and she pestered them until they were received. We are certain her bank account was empty by Christmas Day. Her greatest achievement was spoiling them rotten. Karen was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at Rehoboth Beach, DE with family and friends.
In addition to her husband, Karen is survived by her son, Kyle Griffin and his wife Michelle of Lebanon; her daughter, Krista Bloomfield and her husband, Dr. R Eric Bloomfield of Epsom, NH; her grandchildren, Branden Spratt, John Spratt, Daylan Griffin, Benjamin Stadnicki, Connor Stadnicki; and Kurtis Stadnicki; and her great grandson, Milo Spratt.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Karen’s family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022, in the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Burial in Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, CT will be held at a later date. For memorial guestbook visitwww.GilmanAndValade.com.
Jamie & Debra Heath
John and Family ~
Deb and I extend our sincere sympathies on the loss of your Grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May she Rest In Peace and may each of you find comfort in the memories you have. God Bless.
Sheila Carbray
My heart goes out to Keith, Krista, Kyle and families. Sunset Ave. was a wonderful place to raise our kids and be there for one another. Karen always had a smile for everyone and she will be missed.
Love you.
Sandy Cobb
My sincere condolences to Karen’s family. She was one of my best teacher aides! We also had a lot of laughs together. Rest in peace my friend.
Gary & Cheri
Cheri and I send our condolences . I met Karen through my cousin Carole as a little kid. I remember Carole bringing me down the street to visit Karen and her parents. How the years fly by. I was shocked when Howard called us. We will Carole and Karen especially at Howard and Carole’s home. Prayers for all her loved ones. Gary Yacono ✝️
Erik & Danelle Person
Kyle – always a staple at Dylan’s games, your mom will be missed. All the best to you and Michelle.