Joyce A. Griffith

Joyce A. (Schortmann) Griffith, 77, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 11, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Katherine (Heffernan) Schortmann.  She was raised in Dedham, Massachusetts, where she attended Saint Mary's Elementary School, before graduating from Dedham High School with the Class of 1962.  Joyce continued her education at the Chandler School for Business, where she earned her associate degree.

Joyce took a cashier's position with Capitol Supermarkets in Dorchester, where she would meet her husband to be, John D. "Jack" Griffith, Jr.  Joyce and Jack were married on October 5, 1971, making their home in Quincy for a short time, before moving to North Carver and eventually settling in Walpole in 1978.  After welcoming her children, Joyce took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family.  As her kids grew up, Joyce took a part time position with Alder Foods, a small start-up company, in Westwood.  As the company's first employee, Joyce had many responsibilities in the office, which she carried with her when Alder moved to Route 1 in Walpole.  Joyce's role quickly became a full-time job, as she was the manager of accounts payable, always ensuring the company was on track with all their statements.  In more recent years, Joyce scaled back her hours, but as a dedicated employee, remained working a couple of days each week, right up until two weeks ago.

While she worked hard, Joyce held a very busy social calendar, that focused on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  Thursday night was reserved for a dinner out at the Lafayette House in Foxboro with Jack, Friday was the night to visit with her friends for dinner, and Saturday night was for gathering around a card table for laughter and camaraderie.  Her social events extended well beyond the borders of Walpole, as she and Jack loved to travel with friends, cruising around the Caribbean, Florida, and Alaska.  Aruba was easily one of Joyce's favorite places to visit, spending countless hours soaking up the sun on the beach.  Back at home, Joyce loved going shopping, always on the lookout for a deal or bargain.

More than anything, Joyce was dedicated to her family, always putting her children first.  She faithfully attended her children's athletic competitions and looked forward to planning an annual summer vacation for her family.  Joyce was delighted at the birth of her grandchildren, attending all their events, just as she attended her own children's.  In more recent years, Joyce recalled her vacation planning abilities to book multiple trips to Disney World, bringing her whole family with her to enjoy the parks.

Beloved wife of John "Jack" D. Griffith, Jr.

Loving mother of Kimberly "Kim" Folan and her husband, Peter, of East Walpole, John D. Griffith, III of Walpole, and Kati Griffith and her wife, Leslie Gates, of Ithaca, New York.

Cherished grandmother of Maddie Folan, Peter Folan, Jr., Ava Griffith, Jack Griffith-Gates, and Robert Griffith-Gates.

Sister of Lorraine Gasbarro and her husband, Frank, of Scituate. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joyce's visitation on Monday, August 1, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joyce's name may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or at www.dana-farber.org/gift