Patricia Griffin

Patricia (Hartigan) Griffin made two decisions at a young age that led to a rich family life that was the center of her world, and a long, successful career in nursing.

Patsy left Clarina, County Limerick, Ireland at age 17 to attend nursing school in England. It was in England, in a dance hall, she met the love of her life, James Griffin, who also was from Ireland. In 1953, they decided to immigrate to San Francisco, where Jim had an older brother, Jerry (Mae).

They settled in Redwood City, where their three children, Jim Griffin (Alexis), Joan Griffin Quinn (Brendan) and Jean Griffin Savoia (Paul), were reared.

Jim’s brother Alec (Bridie) and sisters Patsy (Tommie) and Pauline (Les) also immigrated to the Bay Area. The large Griffin clan was together for most parties and celebrations. That tradition still continues with annual holiday and summer get-togethers.

Patsy worked as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, and then Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. She later was director of nurses at Laurel Glen Convalescent Hospital in Redwood City.

Patsy showered her five grandchildren with love: Patrick Griffin (Michelle) of Redwood City, Erin Savoia of Portland, Connor Quinn of Tacoma, Adair Savoia of Davis, and Alanna Quinn of Los Angeles. She was an integral part of all their lives growing up. Patsy lived to see Patrick’s two children, MacKenzie and Jack.

Patsy and Jim loved to travel and enjoyed cruises, and trips to Yosemite and Hawaii. They visited Ireland in 1975.

When Joan and Jean moved with their families to Davis in 1998, Patsy and Jim did the same. Jim died shortly after. Patsy in time made a new life for herself in Davis, and volunteered at St. James Church, Sutter Davis Hospital, and Maryhouse in Sacramento.

After Jim’s death Patsy returned to Ireland for several more trips where she enjoyed the company of her nieces Vinny (Sandy) and Patsy (Gerry) and her dear cousins, Anne (Dan) and Anthony.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Celia Jimenez, Patsy’s friend for 20 years, and caretaker in her last days. Her loving care was deeply appreciated.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents Patrick Hartigan and Ellen Greensmith, and siblings Molly, Tom, and Joan.

Patsy was laid to rest beside Jim, with immediate family in attendance, on May 12, 2020 in Los Altos. A Mass and celebration of her life are planned for a future date.

Donations may be made to Mustard Seed School of Sacramento (mustardseed@sacloaves.org).