Elizabeth Crawford Griffin, 101, passed away Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, a life well lived and loved. “Hope” as she was affectionately known, was born July 2nd, 1922, on a dairy farm near Ava, Jackson County, IL to George and Nora Fenn Crawford, and joined older brother, George Jr.
After high school, Hope attended Missouri Baptist nursing school in St. Louis, receiving her RN in 1943. During nursing school, she met her future husband, William (Bill) E. Griffin, Jr., on a blind date. They were married at Our Lady of the Visitation in St. Louis on June 6th, 1943. During WWII, Bill was stationed in San Diego, CA with the Navy. This move was not going to stop Hope from seeing her beloved husband and she moved halfway across the nation to be with him. When Bill was deployed to the South Pacific, Hope returned to Ava where she gave birth to her first son, Bill Jr., in 1945. After WWII, Hope and Bill lived in St. Louis where they added four daughters and a son to their family. Hope worked as a recovery nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital and later in private practice with Dr. Howard Aylward, ENT. After Bill Griffin’s passing in 1998, Hope eventually moved to the St. Louis Altenheim where she lived her final years.
Hope is survived by her six children: Bill (& Tina) Griffin of Portland, OR, Mimi (& Bill) Burfeind of Mission Viejo, CA, Debbie Griffin of St. Louis, MO, Diane (& Mike) Struckhoff of St. Louis, MO, Barbara (& Tom) Bubenik of Dublin, OH, Mike (& Elaine) Griffin of St. Louis, MO; as well as 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 4 great – great grandchildren and dear niece, Caren (& Dr. Chris) Carrow of Godfrey, IL.
Hope’s funeral will be at her long-time parish, St. Gabriel the Archangel (6303 Nottingham Ave, St. Lous), where her 6 children received their primary education and four were married. The Mass will be on Friday, January 26th at 10:30 AM, followed by her burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis) with her husband Bill. A celebration of her life will then follow with a party at the St. Louis Altenheim (5408 S. Broadway, St. Louis)
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Hope’s honor to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St Louis (https://dsagsl.org/donation/) or the Holy Spirit Adoration (Pink)Sisters – Mount Grace Convent PO Box 21627 St. Louis, MO 63109
KUTIS CITY CHAPEL is serving the family.
Mrs Griffin was such a beautiful and kind woman
She was always so welcoming to all of her childrens friends
So glad she was a part of my life growing up
Bridget Heitert Bogard
We Love you Mom!
Heartfelt love and prayers to the Griffin family. I have treasured Bill and Hope’s love and friendship all my life. My heart is saddened at her passing but comforted that she will be with Bill again. Thanks for the love always given and memorable visits that meant so much to me…always in my heart!
I spent a lot of time at the Griffin household in my youth and I fondly remember Mrs. Griffin. She was always so fun and welcoming! My heartfelt condolences to Mike and all the family. She was one of the good ones… ❤️
Your mom was a lovely, sharp and classy lady! She was always dressed perfectly, with jewelry to match each outfit every time I saw her. When I visited her at the Altenheim she would always ask about my family and our farm. I enjoyed telling her about my grand kids and their antics. I’ll miss seeing her and having her call me her 5th daughter. She made me feel special.
Your family is lucky to have enjoyed her company and wisdom for so many years.
Hope was a big reader and I enjoyed finding and selecting books for you. Our wonderful library customer and enjoyed seeing and visiting with you all the times we were there. We will miss you dearly.