Janice Griffin

Janice Mary Griffin, a long time resident of Newport and St. Paul Park, passed away February 2, 2018 at the age of 73.

Memorial service will be 7:00 pm, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park with visitation starting at 5:00 pm until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Newport Lutheran Church.

Janice Mary Griffin was born November 12, 1944 in Newport, Minnesota to Lance and Luella (Bondeson) Peterson.  She grew up in Newport and graduated from Park in 1962.  Janice and Steve Griffin started dating in 1963 and they were married two years later at Newport Lutheran Church.  They lived in the St. Paul area for several years before moving into the home that they built in Newport in 1976.  Janice operated a daycare in her home for over 10 years as well as working at Leewards Craft Stores doing a variety of things.  She and Steve loved to travel across the country via motorcycle or RV to visit family and made many friends along the way.  Janice enjoyed cooking and baking, watching birds and horse shows.  Janice was a devoted mother who loved to invest in her boys and received a lot of joy supporting them in everything that they did.  As a grandma she loved spending time with Brianna at the park.  She loved bringing her family together and will be greatly missed.  In spite of the health challenges that she faced, she carried an inner strength that inspired others.

Janice is survived by her husband of 52 years Stephen; sons Robert (Tom Thorpe) and Roger; granddaughter Brianna and brother Don Peterson as well as extended family.  She is preceded by her parents, Lance and Luella Peterson; siblings Wayne, Dick, Dean, Joyce and Norma.