Nancy A. Griffin

Nancy Arlene Griffin (Nee Nantau) of Hamburg NY died peacefully at home January 26, 2022 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 82. Daughter of the late George Nantau and Myrtle Jean Nantau (Nee Banwell). Dearest mother of Jennifer Griffin, Margaret Rodriguez, Eric Griffin (Anjanet), and Maureen Griffin. Cherished Granny of Joshua Meyer, Jason Meyer, Farrah Rodriguez, River Rodriguez, Julius Ramirez, Russell Griffin, Nora-Jean Plump, and great-grandson Benjamin Meyer. Also survived by her sister Edith Jean (Philip), and niece Laurie. Nancy was preceded in death by Paul J. Griffin, her husband of 42 years. Nancy was born December 18, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Allen Park High School in Detroit. She attended Michigan State University graduating with a bachelors and masters degree in zoology. She worked at Genesee Community college as a professor of anatomy and physiology and biology. She returned to college in her late 40s and earned a second masters in library science from the University at Buffalo. She worked as a medical librarian at Idaho State University until she retired in 2002. She spent most of her retirement living in Green Valley, AZ. The last few years of her life she lived in Tampa, FL and Hamburg, NY with her daughter Maureen and granddaughter Nora-Jean. Nancy loved traveling and went on many international trips. She always looked forward to visiting her family in Canada and attending the annual Banwell family reunion. Her friends all remember the excellent dinner parties she hosted with her wonderful gourmet cooking. She also loved to read novels and watch classic movies and musicals. She enjoyed exploring nature as she took delight in spotting many graceful birds. Nancy was a lifetime learner and had a keen interest in gardening. She became a certified Master Gardener after completing a program while living in Arizona. She was very fond of horses and for part of her life owned several. She loved collies since she was a young girl and had them most of her life. Her love for collies began with her beloved childhood dog, Boots. Nancy played the piano and was also the organ player at her Episcopal church in Akron, NY. One of her great joys was singing her favorite songs. Her loved ones always enjoyed how lovely she sang. She liked to play cards and participated in pinochle and canasta clubs. Every day she would play solitaire while drinking her morning coffee. She was good at crossword puzzles and was an expert at solving the New York Times puzzles. She will be lovingly remembered for her beautiful smile and as a treasured wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. We will always carry her precious memory in our hearts. For nothing loved is ever lost, and she was loved so much, Ellen Brenneman. A memorial service will be held for Nancy this summer (details to be announced).