Susan Mander Griffith

Age 75, died at home of cancer on February 10th surrounded by her family. She was born August 8, 1936, in La Crosse, WI to Halfdan E. and Mary Geneva (Mander) Pedersen. Susan attended St. Vincent Catholic School in Bedford, IN, Ladywood School in Indianapolis, IN, and Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. In addition to raising nine children, Susan was a preschool aid at the Winnebago Day School in Menasha. She also trained to become an AODA counselor at CASI in Oshkosh, WI, and was employed by Community Alcoholism Services Inc. of Appleton for a number of years. Susan also led pilgrimages with her friend, Agnes Baer, to the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in Birmingham, AL. and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL. Susan was deeply committed to the pro-life movement.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William C. Griffith Sr., six sons and two daughters: Joseph of Neenah, WI, Michael of Hudson, WI, William Griffith Jr. (Christine) of St. Paul, MN, John “Jack” (Ann) of Menasha, WI, James (Jeanne) of Menasha, WI, Jean Handziak (Perry) of Belgium, WI, Ann Sunderland (Robert) of Louisville, KY, and Rev. Daniel Griffith of St. Paul, MN.

Susan is further survived by 33 much loved grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her brothers Halfdan Pedersen Jr. (Mary), and William Pedersen (Susan), and her sister Geneva Lyons. In addition, Susan is survived by her sisters-in-law: Marianna Haugh, Susan Sidenstricker (Ken), Alice Striecher (Bob) and one brother-in-law, Jack Bartzen and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Thomas, her sister Mary Therese Hunter, four brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who sent cards, prayers, and enrollments during Susan’s final illness; also to Theda Care At Home Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care provided.

Those wishing to contribute to a memorial for Susan might consider the Community Hospice Foundation 1818 Meade Street P.O. Box 1534 Appleton, WI 54912 or Relevant (Catholic) Radio 1496 Belleve St., Suite 202, Green Bay, WI 54301.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second Street, Menasha, with Rev. Daniel Griffith celebrating. Friends will be received for visitation from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at the Martens-Laemmrich Funeral Home, 312 Milwaukee Street in Menasha. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. The committal will be held at St. Margaret Cemetery.