Betty May Griffin

Betty May Griffin was born on May 1, 1924 in Vancouver, BC, Canada and passed away on January 21, 2016 in Silverdale, WA with family at her side. She was 91. She was welcomed into the world by her parents Daisy and John, big sister Evelyn and brother, Phil Baldwin. Being the little sister she had to entertain herself and did so by visiting her grandparents who lived 4 blocks away and owned a family business Mrs. Haines Marmalade. Blessed with an abundance of energy, she ran everywhere. To the store, home from school, up staircases, and in races at school. Her athletic abilities continued throughout life while she swam, played tennis, rode horses and tried skiing! She attended a commercial high school and left early to get a job as a secretary to help with finances at home. Music was the family passion, and many happy hours were spent in the church choir and singing around the piano at home. She met her first husband, Doug Jeyes, in the choir at Canadian Memorial Church and they married in 1947. Sadly, he died at 36, but not before they were blessed with a daughter, Karen. For ten years she worked hard as a secretary, single mother and homeowner. Mom met and fell in love with her second husband Jack Griffin, in 1964 and they moved to Seattle. After losing Jack to illness in 1982, she went proudly back to work until she paid off the home she loved so much. She remained there for 50 years, until moving to Silverdale in the last year of her life to be closer to family. Mom was put on this earth to be a caregiver. She had a kind, loving, and compassionate nature. She would step forward if anyone was in trouble or needed help, even if it was someone she didnt know. Babies would quiet in her arms. She had a funny sense of humor. When asked once how she could laugh while she was crying, she replied simply because it is funny. She was always happy when doing something for someone other than herself. She volunteered at St. Mark Parish School and Stevens hospital. She would garden for hours in her yard, well into her late 80s. Every morning, she would be up early, full of smiles and optimism. She loved her dogs, Jean Pierre and Claude, quilting, gardening, drawing, music, dancing and family. She was especially close to her granddaughter, Emily. Mom made a mean apple pie. Many happy hours were spent in Cannon Beach, OR walking along the shoreline searching for sand dollars. She gave love unconditionally. She is survived by her daughter Karen Jeyes and granddaughter Emily Morin, both of Kingston, WA and nephew Barry Baldwin (Joan) and great nephew James of White Rock, BC, Canada, We shall miss her desperately, but know she is finally at peace after a long illness. She often told me she just wanted to feel like myself again. God bless and keep you mom, you are home.