Obituary of Katherine M. Griffin

GLENMONT - Katherine M. Griffin, 57, of Glenmont died Friday, January 3, 2014 after a long battle with cancer and sarcoma. She is survived by her husband, Rick; her son, Alex; her mother, Jennie (Brognano) Surace; aunts, Patricia Grillone and Ann Brognano; uncle, Dr. James Brognano; several cousins and in-laws. Her strong -willed Italian relatives, who predeceased her, never left her side as she struggled to continue in this life. She found joy in simple things and loved fresh tomatoes with basil, the colors of fall foliage and the first daffodils of spring. One of her most proud accomplishments was the numerous lifelong friends that she made throughout all phases of her life. Those who knew her were amused by her sense of humor, her love for shopping and her kindness, generosity and delight in sharing the "bargains" she found. Food Pantries, Toys for Tots and other fundraising efforts benefited from her finds. She loved photography and writing stories about her friends and her life experiences. Educated by the Jesuits (Le Moyne College, Syracuse, New York), their values of Social Justice and Community Service become incorporated into who she was to become. She volunteered for a summer in Appalachia, and spent a year as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She received a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the State University of New York at Albany and spent her professional life in nonprofit and state agencies working to empower people with Mental Health Challenges. She was a member of the New York State Public Employees Federation and served several years as a shop steward. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Those who wish may send a remembrance in her name to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Albany, NY 12211 or the Food Pantries for the Capital District, 32 Essex St., Albany, NY 12206.