Obituary of Virginia L. Griswold
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Virginia L Griswold, 88, of East Killingly, CT on July 29th, 2023. She passed away after a courageous but aggressive battle with lung cancer. She was born November 7, 1934 to the late Eleazer and Frances Terry of New London, CT. She is survived by her only living sibling, Mary Kumpf of Montville, CT.
She married the late Robert C. Griswold of Newburyport, MA on October 18, 1952 with whom she made a family + settled in Montville, CT. They were married for 68 years. She leaves behind Robert's only living sibling, her sister-in-law, Margaret, (Peg) Herzberg of Niantic, CT.
Virginia is survived by her 4 children, Robert II and his wife Candy of Johnson, VT, Roger of North Franklin, CT, Susan and Jeffrey Chase of Dayville, CT and Michele and Todd Clements of Sanbornton, NH. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and many lifelong friends.
She was employed by Sheffield Tube, Hansen’s Supply and Montville Hardware as a bookkeeper, and eventually at CBT in New London as a bank teller. She was a poll worker for local, state, and presidential elections including earlier this year and enjoyed being active in her community.
She was a member of The Emblem Club #116 of New London Elks in New London, CT for over 25 years. She served on several committees from the early to mid 1980’s that helped to give scholarships, maintain budgets and fund raising for the club. She became President from 1982-1983 and won the Eyeglasses for the Needy Award which was a statewide competition. She was elected Mother of the Year in 1984.
They moved to Broadalbin, NY for over 20 years due to Robert's employment at General Dynamics. She became a member of the VFW in Broadalbin, NY and enjoyed giving her time to raise funds for children's charities and Veteran's causes. They returned to East Killingly, CT. over 20 years ago to be near family after retirement.
Virginia was a very proud American and especially proud of her brothers, husband, sons and grandson, Scott, for serving their country in several different branches of the military. She was an avid sports fan and you could always count on her to know the latest stats and game schedules. Her favorites were the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Vikings and the UCONN Huskies men and women's basketball teams.
She was a kind woman loved by all that knew her and the lives she touched. She will be sorely missed but will finally be reunited and laid to rest with her loving husband.
Gagnon & Costello Funeral Home of 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT will be handling her services. Calling hours will be from 4-6 P.M. on Monday, August 7th. Graveside service will be Tuesday at the State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown, CT at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society. Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com