"There are so many memories that flood my mind of this dear,kind, sweet lady. From the beginning of my friendship with her daughter Lisa, her warmth, kindness and hospitality welcomed me like no other. Through the years, and they are many now, she touched my heart and life in so many wonderful ways! Summers spent at camp playing games, swimming, hiking, boating and sharing laughs and delicious food. Everyone waiting for the mouth watering blueberry slump!! All in the breath taking view of the Sakonnet River. Restorative views refreshing all of us. Through the years she taught me grace, quiet strength, kindness, patience, and abiding unconditional love all by example. What i will miss most is the twinkle in her eye and her adventurous spirit and how she would joke about about those adventures! Now she is having new adventures in God\'s beautiful Heaven! You live deeply in the lives you touched and in the hearts of your loving daughters. Say Hi to Mr. Groff & Andrew and when you see my Mom & Dad have a good laugh over the \"pickle\" night and give them a big hug for me! Thank you for every moment of your company. I have been truly blessed and privileged to have you and your girls in my life!! "
In loving memory of
Margaret Mary Groff
July 4, 1935 - February 9, 2021
Mrs. Margaret M. Groff, 85, of Newport, Rhode Island, passed away at home on February 9, 2021, after a long battle with cancer which she fought with quiet courage, dignity and without complaint.
Margaret was born July 4, 1935 in Newport, RI to John and Catherine (Smith) Samuels. Margaret, a graduate of Rogers High School, married Thomas L. Groff of Newport, RI on October 29, 1955.
Margaret was a dedicated mother, friend and neighbor who spent many years nurturing her family until she went to work for Blenheim Newport where she was known for treating the residents with patience and compassion, as if they were her own parents. She retired after 20 years of service in 2012.
Margaret had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed many activities. She loved the beach, traveling, kayaking, bike riding, and touring around Newport on her moped. Two years in a row she competed in the CVS Senior Olympics bike race winning gold and silver medals, respectively. She celebrated her 80th birthday by parasailing with her family on Narragansett Bay. Margaret was an avid seamstress, crafter and baker. For years, Margaret donated her creations to St Joseph's Church fundraising events and other local organizations such as Newport and Middletown Senior Centers and schools. She was also a member of the Newport and Middletown Senior Centers where she enjoyed taking classes and trips.
Margaret is survived by her children, Catherine Davis of New York, Lisa Lauwers of Florida, Marybeth Groff of Massachusetts, and her grandsons, Jacob and Adam Davis of New York. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Catherine (Smith) Samuels, her husband Thomas L. Groff, her son Andrew L. Groff, and her siblings, Elizabeth Sprinkle, John Samuels, Anastasia Larkin, and Mary Samuels.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday July 3, 2021 at 10:00am at St. Joseph's Church, at Mann Avenue and Broadway, Newport. Burial will follow at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, 465 Brown's Lane, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers donations may be in Margaret's memory to the Potter League for Animals, 80 Oliphant Ln., Middletown, RI https://www.potterleague.org/donate or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation https://www.bcrf.org.
Tributes
"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. Margaret used to be my landlady and she was so nice to me. I was just talking about how she made me a Rhubarb pie. "