ORA WATSON GRIFFIN
NEWPORT—Ora Griffin, 88, died peacefully at home June 17, 2007 surrounded by her family and those who loved her deeply. During this long illness, the family found out how important it was for her to maintain a sense of dignity, familiarity and independence. Having achieved this, the route to the Lord was peaceful and serene. Ora was born October 16, 1918 in Van Buren a daughter of Frank and Flora (Belanger) Caron. We will remember our mother for the love that she had for her family and for the kindness, sweetness and special sense of humor that evolved from her when she would meet friends, neighbors, and strangers. Our mother was an excellent teacher. She taught us “to believe in God, treat others the way you would want to be treated, give as much as you can of yourself, and try to stay humble”. Our mother’s devotion to God never waived during her lengthy illness and, in the worst times, she was there to support others with her smile and wisdom. Ora was a member of the Church of Christ for much of her life where she was active in earlier years. She was employed for many years at Eastland Woolen Mill and was a past member of the Grange on Airport Road, both in Corinna. Ora worked very hard in and out of the home and had a skill to balance both work and family. She also had many hobbies which consisted of working with her hands, embroidering, crocheting, and sewing. She will be remembered by the grandchildren for being adventurous, a great sport, and having lots of love and laughter. Our mother’s light may have gone out on this earth, but her candle burns brightly in the heavens. For all the above we thank our mother and will always love her very much. She was predeceased by her husband Leland Watson; a son Leland Watson, Jr.; and her second husband of 20 years, Earl Griffin.

She is survived by four children: a son, Garfield Watson of Palmyra; 3 daughters, Edna and husband Ronald Chase of Durham, Darlene and husband Hugo Frati, Bernice (Bunny) and husband Jack Quirk, all of Hampden; 12 grandchildren, Bette Stackpole, Kathy Lupo, Robert Webber, Scott Chase, Sandra Huntington, Julie Picard, John and Joel Nye, Melissa Norris, Daniel Webber, Diane Billington, Steven, Leo, Allen Rocky and Ricky Watson, Mary and Roxanne Watson; several great grandchildren. Ora’s family wishes to thank her loyal and dedicated caregivers: Diane Perkins and Linda Larrabee, who gave her excellent care and love over the past few years. We also wish to acknowledge her dearest friends, Mary Thompson and Kay Gray. Without their moral support and love it would not have been possible for Ora to stay at home during her long illness. We would also like to thank Dr. Dale Walker for his continuous care and prompt advice on medical issues during this period.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 P.M. Tuesday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport, where funeral services will be held 11 A.M. Wednesday, June 20th, with Rev. Rae Pennock officiating. Burial will be in the Corinna Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Church of Christ, 11 Mill Street, Newport, ME 04953; or to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078, to support spinal cord injuries. Those who wish may sign an on-line guestbook at www.CrosbyNeal.com