Debra J. Griffin, a lifelong resident of Melrose, passed into eternal life on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at The Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a 3 year illness with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis "ALS". She was 52 years old.
Debra was born in Somerville on October 20, 1959, a daughter of the late Bridget J. (Gill) Griffin and Francis P. Griffin. She grew up in Melrose where she attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Melrose High School in 1977. Debra worked as a Medical Claims Analyst for BlueCross BlueShield for over 20 years and SleepMed in Peabody for several years. She enjoyed her time with her nieces and nephews, she loved the beach, the Boston Bruins and her animals.
Debra is the devoted sister of Michael and Mickey Dorman of Cambridge, Marianne Lane of Gloucester, Frank Griffin of Abington, Kathleen and David Lane of Gloucester, David Griffin of Melrose, Patricia and Mike Nocella of Gloucester and the late Roy Dorman and his surviving wife Mary of Medford. She is the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Debra's Funeral on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, corner of Myrtle & Herbert Streets Melrose at 10 a.m. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be on Friday, September 7, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Debra's name to ALS Association, 315 Norwood Park South, First Floor, Norwood, Mass. 02062.