Tribute: Liz Griffin Elizabeth Anne Griffin
Liz was born in Ripon in the winter of 1945, following the end of war in Europe. She passed away after a short illness this summer, aged 75, having lived in Wendover since 1989. She grew up on a North Yorkshire farm, the eldest daughter of Kit and Betty Webster, and big sister to brother David and sister Ros. She attended Harrogate Ladies College and went on to York University to read Sociology in 1964. Liz married Ken aged 21 before relocating to South Wales in 1968, where she worked for Newport Job Centre until starting a family in 1971. After returning to Yorkshire for a period, Ken’s career brought the expanding family to Berkhamsted, then - in 1989 Wellwick House, Wendover. By this time the house was full with eight children: John, James (1973-2012), Edward, Alexandra, Stephen, Timothy, Paul, and Annie-Kate. In the midst of this she took a further degree at the Open University and a PGCE to begin a teaching career. Liz specialised in giving professional support to children with specific learning difficulties, and enjoyed a long career at Egerton Rothesay School, Little Gaddesdon Primary School, then around 25 years at The Royal Masonic School, Rickmansworth. She also leaves twelve grand-children
Megan, Lotte, Josie, Samara, Maddie, Imogen, Florence, Betsy, Felix, Harriet, Jimmy, Cora; and four step grand-children Max, Roddy, Ella, and Ava.
Liz was an amazing lady and I personally have fond memories of our discussions on many subjects relating to the support of those with learning difficulties and new solutions, ideas and methods. Her enthusiasm and Liz with her first two children c 1975 determination to keep Liz is already deeply exploring new ideas was an encouragement to missed by her large and grateful family. us involved in training others to help children When we explain that Mum had eight children, and adults with specific learning difficulties.Ruth the reaction is often one of astonishment! We I worked with Liz for 21 years and knew her still don’t know how she managed. There was as a real friend and wonderful colleague. She never a dull moment in the house, but Mum always had a twinkle in her eye! Liz has helped somehow guided us through thick and thin, with so many children (100s) over the years and has all the loving care she could give. Food shopping a wonderful legacy. Anne was a military operation, and Christmas must’ve been particularly stressful for poor Mum! But We always walked back from Choral Society she enjoyed it. In later life, it was gratifying to together. I was full of admiration for her see Mum reinvent herself as a special needs continuing work for students with special needs, teacher, combining her interests in children and and her stamina in travelling to Rickmansworth… psychology. Our appreciation for what she did for I also admired her walking. I could not keep up with her and the distances she covered. Janet us only grows with time. We’ll miss you, Mum x. Stephen Griffin It was much too soon to lose someone like Liz, Throughout Liz's life, she taught people to express themselves by the letter, yet she embodied life's spirit in her scatty absent-mindedness. John Griffin
who I remember as being talented, cheerful and energetic. I can picture her arriving at Potten End school in the mornings with several of her brood and thinking "How does she manage?" Margaret
When Liz joined our U5 support group we asked if her daughter was her first. When we discovered that Annie was her eighth, we relied on her for advice as the most experienced of us all. Jane
Liz will be someone who I will always remember as a lovely bright and sparkly lady, always willing to help anyone, and of course an adoring mother to her children. Sue
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