grave import

Obituary

Mary E. Griffin passed away October 18, 2000, in Van Nuys, California, after a brave three-year battle with cancer. Born Mary Edith Crosley on March 10, 1928, in Burlington, Iowa, she spent most of her youth in Burlington and Davenport, and then graduated from North High School in Des Moines. Professionally, Mary worked as a producer of several radio programs for young children, and hosted "Storybook Time" on Television for the Los Angeles Unified School District in the 1960's. In her later years, she worked for 15 years as head of the after school care program for Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood. As a writer and historian, Mary traveled frequently to the Gold Rush country of Northern California, and wrote numerous historical books on many of the towns in the area and sold them under the business name of Crosley Books. Her interests included The Thalians organization, of which she was on the board of directors in the '50s and '60s, as well as singing in the choir for many years at the Toluca Lake United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed maintaining her extensive movie memorabilia collection, reading biographies, and being with her family. She is survived by her loving family, husband Arch Griffin who she married in July of 1951, and her beloved daughter Kathy, both of Van Nuys, California. In addition, she leaves her mother, Margaret Hall and sister Angela Hall of Van Nuys, California; brother Richard Gray of Connecticut; and the Crosley family of Davenport. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Funeral Services for Mrs. Mary E. Griffin, 72, of Van Nuys, California, formerly of Burlington, who died on Wednesday, October 18, 2000. at the Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, California, will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. in Prugh's Chapel. Rev. Rick King will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends in Prugh's Chapel one hour prior to the time of service.