Ann F. Griffin's Obituary
Ann was born in Chillicothe Ohio to Helen and Harold Caris on November 3, 1933. Her brothers Herb, Ernie, and Bob welcomed her into the family and they were soon joined by a sister named Sandra. Ann met Russell Curry in Columbus Ohio. They soon married and started what would become a large family of their own. Those who had the pleasure of meeting Ann would stare in disbelief when they learned that this dainty woman barely five feet tall and under 100 pounds, was the mother of seven boys and two girls. Her children Bob, Penny, Gary, Michael, Trish, Tracy, Tim , Jeffery, and Alan spent their childhood playing together and looked forward to Ann's delicious home- cooked meals, especially her legendary meatloaf. The family suffered a tragic loss when Tracy died at the age of three. One by one the family started to migrate to Florida. They were joined by Ann in 1986. Though Ann loved the sandy beaches and sunshine, she always missed the changing of the seasons and cool weather of Ohio. Though Ann and Russell had divorced and each had remarried, the pair maintained a friendship throughout the years. Ann and her children were by Russell's side when he passed in 2010. While her children were starting families of their own, Ann could be found cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday afternoons, and rooting for the Tampa bay Buccaneers on Sundays. She spent much of her time shopping and watching movies with her daughters and granddaughters. Though you would never suspect it, Ann enjoyed Olive Garden's spaghetti and meatballs, and Tijuana Flat's tacos and black beans and rice, all of which she ate with reckless abandon. Ann exercised daily to maintain her size 2 figure and still be able to indulge in her favorite treats, especially Reese's peanut butter cups.Ann adored her growing family which now included seventeen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Ann was never wealthy, but her family was always well provided for, most times because she sacrificed to give them more. Presents at Christmas time were never taken lightly. Ann spent hours at a time carefully scanning the shelves for the perfect gift for each of her family members. In 2011 Ann welcomed a new love into her life, a Pomeranian she named Tia. Ann spoiled this bundle of fur and the pair spent their days taking walks, snuggling, and yes eating peanut butter. In April of 2013, Ann's health began to decline. She showed the world how strong she was each time fighting harder than anyone could imagine and leaving doctors dumbfounded. On October 17, Ann finally found peace, and passed away in the arms of her daughters and granddaughter. Though her family misses her terribly, they smile when they picture her reunited with her mother, father, and her son Tracy all sitting in the presence of the Lord.
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