Obituary of Mary A. Griffin

Bridgeport Resident Mary Agnes (Diotalevi) Griffin of Bridgeport, age 85, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2006 in her home with her daughter by her side. Born in Derby on Christmas Day, 1920, a precious gift from the very beginning, she was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Clinton (Charlie) Griffin and the daughter of the late Alessandro and Anna (Bertini) Diotalevi Ciacci. She was a Bridgeport resident for most of her life. She was a founder of the North End Italian Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Marchegianna Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the St. Raphael Church Altar Guild and a former member of the Gaelic-American Club where she volunteered for many years at the Irish Festival. She had also volunteered at the Kennedy Center for many years and was involved in numerous political campaigns and fundraisers. She was formerly employed by Mohawk Curtain Company as a sewing machine operator, and as a receptionist at Sherwood Beauty School and Mark Anthonys Salon. Mary enjoyed watching the daily Mass on television and sitting on her front porch under the shade of her maple tree talking to neighbors and strangers as they walked by. She said Hello to everyone wherever she would go, striking up a conversation was always a pleasure to her because she was bound to know someone they knew. The St. Patricks Day parade and the Columbus Day parade were among her favorites as well. She also enjoyed volunteering, viewing the art collection, being at special events and visiting with the staff at Housatonic Community College. Survivors include her beloved daughter, Linda Griffin Bayusik and her husband David, of Bridgeport; three grandchildren, Charlene Labate, David Bayusik and his wife Sheila and Bryan Bayusik and his wife Stephanie; three great grandchildren, Jake and Anthony Labate and David Bayusik; two brothers, Eugene Diotalevi of Pesaro, Italy, and Daniel Ciacci and his wife, Tina, of Bridgeport; and several nieces and nephews in Connecticut, Virginia, Tennessee, California and in Italy, including her Godchild, Gary Roberts and his wife Marlene of Trumbull and several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by an infant daughter Marlene Griffin, two brothers, Gino and Nazzareno (Bucky) Diotalevi, and two sisters, Elsie Roberts and Viola Passcucci and two step-brothers, Leonard and Delvino Ciacci. She was a loving and caring person and will be sadly missed by family and friends. The family wishes to thank the special people who took care of her during her illness. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at 10 a.m. from the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 11 a.m. in St. Andrew Church, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Mt. Grove Cemetery of Easton. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Donations Information Those desiring may make donations in Marys memory to the Housatonic Community College Foundation, 900 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT 06604.