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 is already deeply missed by her large and grateful family.

When we explain that Mum had eight children, the reaction is often one of astonishment! We still don’t know how she managed. There was never a dull moment in the house, but Mum somehow guided us through thick and thin, with all the loving care she could give. Food shopping was a military operation, and Christmas must’ve been particularly stressful for poor Mum! But she enjoyed it. In later life, it was gratifying to see Mum reinvent herself as a special needs teacher, combining her interests in children and psychology. Our appreciation for what she did for us only grows with time. We’ll miss you, Mum x.
Stephen Griffin

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

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 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 determination to keep exploring new ideas was an encouragement to us involved in training others to help children and adults with specific learning difficulties. Ruth

I worked with Liz for 21 years and knew her as a real friend and wonderful colleague. She always had a twinkle in her eye! Liz has helped so many children (100s) over the years and has a wonderful legacy. Anne

We always walked back from Choral Society together. I was full of admiration for her continuing work for students with special needs, and her stamina in travelling to Rickmansworth… I also admired her walking. I could not keep up with her and the distances she covered. Janet

It was much too soon to lose someone like Liz, 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

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