"Kelly and family, We received your card. Thanks for letting us know about Mary?s passing. She was such a wonderful woman and both of our kids have fond memories of both her and Jerry ? whether it be from her buckets of toys in her closet or picking tomatoes in the summer. She was one of a kind. I can imagine that she revelled in all those grandkids and great grandkids. from Julie & Harold Rodakowski, along with Randall and Juleen"
In loving memory of
Mary Ann Griffin
March 31, 1937 - October 25, 2020
Mary Ann Griffin, 83, of Rochester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at her home.
Mary was born March 31, 1937 in New Prague, MN to Frank and Cecelia (Simek) Jirik. She was a graduate of Central High School in Minneapolis. On May 21, 1960, in Minneapolis, MN, Mary married Gerald "Jerry" Griffin. Mary provided in home daycare to many children over the years. She was an active member of Saint Pius X Catholic Church, where she also served on the funeral committee. Mary loved to travel, enjoying trips to Ireland and the Czech Republic. Mary was very proud of her Czech heritage and family traditions. She also enjoyed baking cookies, reading, doing word puzzles and counted cross stitch. Mary was a patient, supportive, loving and kind woman. She was a dedicated grandmother, doting over her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but also had a special dedication to her friendships that spanned over numerous decades.
Mary is survived by her children, James (Angie) Griffin, Kelly Griffin, Daniel (Laurie) Griffin all of Rochester, Thomas (LaVonne) Griffin of New Brighton, MN; nine grandchildren, Patrick (Courtney) Griffin, Christopher (Kelsy Olsen) Griffin, Sean and Molly Griffin, Max Griffin, Chelsea Bolier, Jake, Jordan and Ashley Griffin; four great-grandchildren, Piper, Rowan, Quinn and Marcus Griffin; sister, Kate Adamek; sisters-in-law, Sharon Jirik and Mary Lou Jirik; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; three brothers; two sisters and her parents.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Saint Pius the X Catholic Church, 1315 12th Ave. NW, Rochester with Father Russell Scepaniak as celebrant. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of the mass. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice. Due to Covid-19, masks will be required for all services and social distancing will be observed. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on the Ranfranz and Vine Facebook page. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Griffin family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Mary, I did not know you very well but are children were very close to yours Dan and Beef. May God be with you and your family. Betty Wing"
"My prayers and thoughts are out to the family! I've known her since I was only a few months old and she took care of me. Mary loved to put me in time out, I loved to play solitaire with her and my favorite was visiting on Halloween! Mary will forever be in my heart!!! So many good/fun conversations!!! I was the only one of her kids she took care of that didn't like chicken noodle soup :) "
"My deepest sympathy to you all. She always had a sharp personality and I am sure she will continue to be herself in heaven. Hugs to you all at this difficult time. "
"Our sincere condolences. We always enjoyed bantering with Mary which was our way of showing our love and respect for each other. She was a great neighbor and friend. RIP Mary"
"A very special lady joins the heavenly congregation. They are in for a treat. Our sympathy to her family. Mary is one of our very dear friends. We know that we were close by the amount of friendly "grief" she aways gave us. She always had a special way of expessing her love. We will miss you, Mary. Love you so much. God Bless. Fran and Mary Bradley"
"Jim, Kelly, Dan and Tom.....Please accept our sincere condolences. Your Mom was a good friend. She was always fun to be around. Carol and I will both miss her! RIP Mary.....Say "hi" to Jerry and ask him if he could put a good word in for our "Vikings"! Carol and Gary Landon"