Harriet Hope Griffiths

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 13:14

Harriet Hope Griffiths

GUILDERLAND — Harriet Hope Griffiths, a nurse and consummate caregiver, died on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, just 17 days shy of her 100th birthday.

“Hope’s long life’s journey ended at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Despite the frailties of her final years, she never lost the core aspects of who she was — a graceful, gracious, and kind person with an extraordinary sense of humor and a wonderful smile.

“This is the way she lived her life.  She was loved by all who knew her and cherished by the family she leaves behind.

“A child of the North Country, Hope was born to A. James and Sarah Dewey in Massena, New York on Aug. 22, 1923. She graduated from Massena High School in 1940 and completed her RN training in Watertown in 1946. Being a nurse defined her adult life.  A consummate caregiver, she was constantly using those skills to help those around her.

“In March 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, Bob Griffiths. They enjoyed 64 years together, raising three daughters, and welcoming six grandchildren.

“Hope and Bob loved to travel, enjoying adventures across the country, including a summer spent exploring Alaska. They also traveled several times in Europe.

“But nothing brought her more joy than spending time with family, friends, and neighbors — and doting on her grandchildren.”

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Harriet Hope Griffiths is survived by three daughters, Debbie (Mike) Irwin, Carol (Dan) Benoit, and Pat (Scott) Clark; by six grandchildren, Ryan (Amy) Irwin, Connor (Ashley) Irwin, Elizabeth (Jake) Williams, Tom (Kelsey) Benoit, Shannon Clark, and Trevor Clark; and by six great-grandchildren, Penny, Owen, Moira, Lola, Mia, and Beau along with many nieces and nephews.

Her daughter, Marsha, died in 1954 and her husband, Bob, died in 2010.

The family thanks “the staff at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center for the loving care they provided in Hope’s final years.”

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 7,  at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Voorheesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in Voorheesville, 68 Maple Ave, Voorheesville, NY 12186.

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