Marie Griffiths

Marie Griffiths, 85, of Toms River passed away on October 30, 2024.  Marie was born in Newark, New Jersey and later moved to Cranford for over thirty years with her late husband, Jack, where they raised their three children. Their door was always open to family and friends and there was never a shortage of Italian food or Irish drinks to go around. The “Cranford house” was also home to each of their children’s friends, many of which still refer to it as their second home today.  

Marie was an active part of the Cranford community, volunteering her time to the PTA, St. Michael’s Church, Pop Warner, and various recreational and high school organizations through the years including baseball, hockey, dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and band. She was an avid bowler and a member of several local leagues throughout the years. Marie’s children and their friends were fortunate to spend the winters ice skating on the river in Cranford with the Griffiths’ house being the resting spot for all to defrost. Marie served hot chocolate and food (of course) daily and spent many hours drying gloves and hats while the kids warmed up before setting out again for more winter fun. Summers were spent in Ocean Beach and Lavallette with friends and family; boating, crabbing, fishing, and simply enjoying life down the shore. The only other escape during the summer months was to Treasure Island in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida with the Barefoot Bar becoming a footprint to the family – music, food, drinks, friends, games, and just plain fun. Marie and Jack ultimately retired to the jersey shore, living on the water in Bayville and enjoying boating, crabbing, the beach, and many trips to Atlantic City. Marie made a new life for herself when moving to Holiday Heights in Toms River after Jack’s passing, living close to her cousins and continuing to be an active member of the Ladies of Bayville Club. She never missed a member’s birthday and looked forward to the lunches, parties, trips, and gift exchanges. 

Marie had wonderful and loving friends, neighbors, and family, including many cousins, nieces, and nephews, who all looked out for her every step of the way. Most important to Marie, though, were her seven amazing grandchildren who are all thriving today and will, no doubt, make her proud. Although the grandchildren may not always have the same interests, there is one thing (aside from Grandma being the best of all time) that all of them whole heartedly agree upon…Grandma made the best meatballs in the world! 

Mrs. Griffiths is predeceased by her husband of over 50 years John (Jack) Griffiths Jr., her parents Michael and Frances Casalino, and her sisters Paula Miller and Phyllis Del Russo. Surviving are her children Sharon and her husband Tom Dombrowski, John and his wife Julie Griffiths and Michelle and her husband Chris Quinn, grandchildren Brett, Brianne, Jake, Kayleigh, Abigail, Christopher, and Logan, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Memorial Service for family and friends will be held on November 29, 2024, from 2:00- 4:00pm at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ 08721, with a prayer service at 3:30.  

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