Consuelo Griggs Thomas

Our dear mother, Consuelo “Connie” Griggs Thomas passed away peacefully on September 30, 2021. She was born in Old Mesilla, New Mexico on October 6, 1926 to Josephine Chavez Griggs and Gustave D. Griggs.

Consuelo is survived by her six children; Stephen John (Therese), Flagstaff, AZ, Consuelo Josephine Burnett, St. Petersburg, FL, William Gustave, John W. Jr. and James Edgar, and Carla Eugenia Thomas all of Albuquerque, NM.; 6 grandchildren; Ramona Consuelo Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Sean Burnett, Alec Burnett, Owen Kominiak and Tice Kominiak; 1 great granddaughter, Lilah Amelia Burnett!; nieces and nephews, Bridget Griggs, Penny Rose, Mary Jo, Jimmy, Michael and David Moore and niece Nancy Lowry Hastings of Maine.

Consuelo completed 1 year of university at the Loretto Academy. She then stayed on at the Griggs family restaurant, La Posta, NM to help with the growing business! It was here that Consuelo met her husband to be, Jack Thomas. They would go on to establish El Pinto Restaurant in 1962. It is the Griggs Family recipes which are utilized and have become the mainstay of El Pinto. Consuelo brought warmth and welcoming to El Pinto’s patrons and a feeling of family amongst El Pinto’s “help” as she called the employees.

Consuelo decided to take up a life of sobriety and in 1978 she joined Alcoholics Anonymous. 
She became a regular speaker at gatherings and was of great encouragement to those suffering the effects of alcoholism. She was a pillar of love amongst her St. Jerome Catholic Church community and would often lead those gathered into song during Mass to help bring a feeling of unity to everyone.

Consuelo was a flower among flowers in this world. She strove to keep a pleasant countenance despite all adversity that entered her life. Her children feel very blessed to have had her as their mother. She showed us tremendous kindness and cared very deeply for us. We will miss her, but will continue on with her fortitude and encouragement for all those who come into our lives. Thank you mother dear for all the love.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Largo, FL.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.