Josephine Griggs

GRIGGS, Josephine
Of Portage, MI Formerly of Royal Oak, MI
Josephine passed away Thursday, January 24, 2008 at Bickford Cottage in Portage. She was born March 20, 1916, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Michael and Catherine Czonka Iwaniec. She was a resident of Royal Oak from 1949 until 2005 when she moved to the Kalamazoo area to be near family. Josephine received a degree from John Carrol University and had taught school for several years. Josephine was an avid gardener and enjoyed her grandchildren dearly. She also enjoyed tatting in her later years, creating beautiful ornamental keepsakes for her many friends and family members. On September 22, 1949, she was united in marriage to William Griggs who preceded her in death in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, John Iwaniec, Julia Murdock, Helen Wolfe and Mae Locke. Surviving are her daughter and son, Marcia John Sink of Dallas, TX, and Mark Lynn Griggs of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Brandon Kelly Foltz and Jason Jennifer Foltz all of Los Angeles, CA, Nicholas Griggs and Ellen Griggs both of Kalamazoo; a great-grandson, Noah Foltz; a sister, Frances Kriss of Dearborn and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with Josephine's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced and a private family burial with her husband will be held in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Josephine's memory may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street; Kalamazoo, Michigan.