PORTLAND – Mary Griffin, 71, of Torrey Street died peacefully on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at her home.

Mary was born in Portland on March 7, 1950, the daughter of the late John G. and Mary E. (Frates) Griffin. She graduated from Portland High School in the class of 1969 and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from the University of Southern Maine.

Mary spent most of her working career as a social worker in several different agencies in the Portland area. After leaving social work she started substitute teaching in schools all over the Portland area. She loved teaching the children and was still substituting up until her death.

In her spare time Mary loved to play golf and enjoyed reading a good book. She loved long walks on Higgins beach with her dog, and especially loved the time she spent with her grandchildren. She was a lifelong communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and a member of the Portland Eagles Club. Mary will long be remembered as a very compassionate person who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Dennis Russell; two brothers, George and Johnny “Bill” Griffin. She is survived by a daughter, Amanda McDonough of Westbrook; a sister, Janet and her husband Dennis Capehart of Westbrook, three brothers, Barry Griffin of Nevada, Robert Griffin of Portland, and Michael Griffin of Portland; three grandchildren, Zachery, Margo and Noah; one great-randdaughter, Dior; several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland, ME. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m., on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland, ME. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Following state mandates, masks are required at all services. To view the live stream of Mary’s Mass please visit https://portlandcatholic.org/online-mass To view Mary’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Those who wish may make contributions in

Mary’s memory to:

Cathedral of the

Immaculate Conception

307 Congress St.

Portland, ME 04101 or:

Animal Refuge League

217 Landing Rd.

Westbrook, ME 04092