Josefina Latimer Griffin

Griffin, Josefina Latimer

Josefina Latimer Griffin, 56, of Danby died peacefully at home on April 10, 2013 after living with ovarian cancer for eight years. Josefina and her family wish to thank Gyn Oncology Associates of Syracuse, Hospicare & Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County and First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca for their compassionate care. Josefina was born October 14, 1956 in Carolina, Puerto Rico and lived in Syracuse and Clay, NY before moving to Ithaca.

She graduated from Cicero High School in 1976 and completed LPN training at St. Joseph Hospital (Syracuse) Nursing School in 1977. Josefina cared for others throughout her life and made a difference in the lives of people when they needed it most; giving loving care to elders, young mothers and children. She was a personal care aide at Longview and clinic aide at Hammond Health Center, Ithaca College. During her career she provided care at local nursing homes, was a home health aide for Family and Children's Services and was a childbirth educator. From 1986 to 2005 she was a NYS Registered Day Care Provider. Josefina joined First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca in 1981. She was a Deacon and served on the Church School Committee. She volunteered for Girl Scouts and the Danby Community Council. Josefina was widely known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies, her berry pies, and her love of yellow roses.

Survived by husband of 35 years Stephen Griffin; children Virginia Powell (Jim), Jennifer Griffin, Matthew Griffin, and Julia Griffin; grandchildren Grace and Hannah Powell. Parents Manuel and Sandra Latimer; siblings: Miriam Nieves, Maritza Barnes (Michael), Marsha Dixie (Walter), Ted Latimer (Bobbie), Manny Latimer (Barb), Matthew Latimer (Liz), Michelle Brown (Doug), Mitchell Latimer (Krista), Michael Latimer (Lani); Aunt Josefina Nieves; many nieces, nephews and close friends. Predeceased by her mother Virginia Nieves Latimer and sister Luz Virginia Latimer.

Her Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday April 14, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca, 315 N Cayuga Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca for the roof fund or to Foodnet Meals on Wheels, 2422 N Triphammer Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.