Barbara J. Griffin's Obituary
January 8, 1935 - January 5, 2022
Barbara Griffin, age 86, of Pleasant Hills, PA passed away on January 5, 2022 at home under the care of hospice and her loving family. Barbara lost her first husband, John (Jack) Ridley suddenly, leaving her with three teenage daughters, Debbie, Ayla, and Lisa. As a single parent she put all three daughters through college and at the same time devoted herself to the benefit of children in her New Jersey community. She led the Somerset County Special Olympics Committee for over a decade. She served as a Girl Scout Troup Leader and chaired Girl Scout Neighborhood 14. She was President of the Bridgewater-Raritan Council of Schools, provided leadership to several PTO/PTA organizations, chaired the Building Fund of the Somerset County Day Care Center, and was Regional Chairman of the New Jersey Dance Theatre Guild. For these and other activities she was recognized as the Community Patriot in 1976 by the Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association, Inc.
When Barbara married Donald Griffin in 1987, she moved to Pittsburgh, PA and acquired four step children: Abbie, Frederick, Margaret, and David. During their 34 years of marriage, Barbara continued service to others through a variety of activities. She was an ordained Elder of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church, assisted in initiation of the Stephen Ministry at the church and taught the first class of Stephen Ministers. She drove regularly for Meals on Wheels. After becoming an avid sailor with husband, Don, she took on leadership positions as Chairman of the Deep Creek Yacht Racing Association and as President of the national Flying Scot Sailing Association, where in fifty years she was only the second woman to hold that position.
Barbara and Don enjoyed racing their Flying Scot sailboat together in local and national venues for nearly thirty years. Together, they also enjoyed scuba diving, cross country skiing, and bicycling – logging over 2500 miles in Europe
Barbara was a devoted homemaker, mother, grandmother to fourteen, and great-grandmother to four. She sent cards and notes of encouragement to all for every occasion and also to many long-time friends. Barbara was an encourager, nonjudgmental, and held herself to higher standards than she did others. She is a clear reminder of God’s grace. There is no way we could ever earn her devotion and kindness.
Barbara was predeceased by her first husband John Ridley, sister Marilyn Baker, and brother Roland Bickhart. She is survived by 3 daughters; Debbie, Ayla, and Lisa (Rick); 4 step-children; 14 grand-children; 4 great-grand-children; husband Don Griffin; and sister Janice Ross. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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