Mary Elizabeth (Koller) Griffith

Mary Elizabeth Koller Griffith, age 63, died peacefully on July 3, 2017 surrounded by her beloved family, after a brief struggle with cancer. Mary was born February 5, 1954, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Joan Koller and has five siblings, Kathi, Steve, Mike, Paul and Becky.

Above all Mary loved and dedicated her life to her family. She married the love of her life, Robert L. Griffith Jr. on May 19, 1973 and had five children, John Neal, Joel Aaron, Rebecca Anne, Rachel Lynn and Justin Robert. Mary has 13 grandchildren. Mary was born to be a mother and cherished every second of it. While she loved all of her children equally, she knew how to make each one feel special in their own way. Mary will live on in her children as they look to her motherly example for guidance as parents.

Mary had an unmatched joy for life. She was loving and kind, selfless and generous, thoughtful and caring. Mary’s smile lit up a room. Mary’s laughter was so sweet and innocent. She loved spending time with her family, playing cards and just “visiting.” She cherished holding her precious grandbabies and playing with her grandchildren as they grew. Mary was crafty and artistic, often spending months making special gifts for her children and grandchildren. Mary was a fabulous cook and always made certain to prepare favorite dishes for her children when they visited.

Mary was an example to all as a mother, as a wife, as a friend, and as a servant of God. God was truly glorified in Mary’s life. For the past 18 years, Mary served God in a profound and miraculous way. She and Rob ministered to struggling married couples through the Catholic marriage ministry called Retrouvaille. Through sharing their story of love, forgiveness and the healing power of Jesus, Mary and Rob had the blessed opportunity to have ministered to thousands of couples over hundreds of retreat weekends.

Mary lived by these words: Life is too short to live upset, angry, resentful or ungrateful. Choose to be happy, to be at peace. If you look for the good, you will find it. Live each day with joy. Above all, love and cherish your family—God is with you.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by parents, John and Joan Koller; husband of 44 years, Rob; children, John (Catie), Joel (Kelli), Rebecca (Josh), Rachel (Matt), Justin (Samantha); siblings, Kathi, Steve, Mike, Paul, and Becky; father-in-law, Neal. Mary leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, eleven nephews, and five nieces. She is preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Elaine; sister-in-law, Rhonda; brothers-in-law, Bill and Ronnie.

A Rosary will be recited on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church; 12500 Carmel Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Please visit our online guestbook for Mary at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH – Wyoming

7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE

(505) 823-9400