Elizabeth H. "Betty" Griffen

Elizabeth Griffen, age 92 of Appleton, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at the Renaissance Assisted Living. Betty was born on October 27, 1922 in Glasgow, Scotland to James and Christina (McClure) Hay. She celebrated her 5th birthday on the boat that brought her to America.

She graduated from North Quincy High School in Massachusetts with honors, and then went on to the Boston School of Nursing. After graduation and being part of “The Greatest Generation” she enlisted in the U.S. Army. Lt. Hay served at many hospitals around the country including Massachusetts, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Kansas, Mississippi, and New York. While doing her duty for the war effort, she met the love of her life Lt. Henry Griffen, and there were married on April 18, 1946.

Upon separation from service the couple moved to northern New Jersey. Raising her family was her life, never missing the opportunity to attend a game, a race, or an activity involving her children. Betty would never hesitate to step up to fill a need whether it be den mother, class parent, neighborhood chauffeur, or Little League manager.

Betty's wonderful memories include dancing to the Big Bands, stepping out to Broadway shows, going camping in national parks, wintering in Florida or Hawaii, and “holding up” for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her daughter Christina (Stephen) Sabee; sons Ramsey (Marilyn) Griffen, James (Vicki) Griffen, and Doug (Marcy) Griffen. Gammie is also survived by granddaughters Adianna (Jarrett) Cooper, Melissa (Rick) Falcha, Christy (Kyle) Hubbard, Katie (Jeff) Weston, Jenny (Eric) Seiler, and Megan Olson; grandsons Matthew (Jen) Sabee, Scott Griffen, and Philip (Amy) Sabee; great grandchildren Ava, Anna, Savanah, Makenna, Mia, Griffen, Henry, Jack, Christian, Ella, Grace, and Sophia.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Henry, and sister-in-law Alice FitzGerald.

The funeral service for Betty will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL, 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha. Rev. Rudy Herbrich will be officiating. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Breast Cancer Foundation are appreciated. Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family wishes to thank Renaissance Assisted Living and AseraCare Hospice for all their wonderful care and support.