Meri Klein Griswold

Born on April 2, 1944, Meri was raised in New York by her parents, George and Sylvia Klein. After graduating from W. T. Clarke High School and attending Nassau Community College, she moved to Atlanta in the early 1970s. There, she met the love of her life, Geoffrey, and the two married in 1983.

Meri enjoyed a long and successful career in the hospitality industry. Over the years, she held managerial and executive roles at the Sheraton Century Center Hotel, Sheraton Colony Square Hotel, Terrace Garden Inn, W Hotel Atlanta Perimeter, and the Westin Peachtree Plaza before retiring in late 2011.

Meri had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. She loved to cook and entertain, and found great joy in hosting family and friends for large holiday gatherings. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially at the local swimming pool during the summer months. An avid reader, Meri delighted in mystery novels and read dozens of books each year. She was also a devoted NFL fan and spent many Sundays happily watching whichever games she could find. Above all, Meri treasured time spent with her husband, family, and friends.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Geoffrey; her stepson, Paul (Tonia); her cherished grandchildren, Gavin and Savannah, and their mother, Shannon (Chris); her devoted sister, Sheri, and her children, George (Samantha) and Shelby (Jake); her loyal brother, Phillip, and his children, Laura (Tony), Phillip Jr., and Tammy; her sister-in-law, Kim; her dear friend, Sheryl (Eric), and her children, Joshua (Chelsea), Stacey (Jimmy), and Laura (Seth); and Daisy, her thoroughly spoiled (and questionably trained) beagle. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, George.

A memorial gathering in celebration of Meri’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, The Beagle Freedom Project, or to a charity of your choice.