Doris Gittlen Griffith

Our wonderful Mom, Doris Gittlen Griffith (a.k.a, Gunga, Grandma Dorie, DoDo, Git, Aunt Dorian), 92 years young, passed away at home on sunny May 3rd while watching the birds and loving her dog, Emmie.

Born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 9, 1924, Doris was the youngest daughter of Ruth and Alex Gittlen, and had a feisty gleam in her eye from the start. After graduating from Central High, she ultimately followed her liberal heart to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH, where the thinker/activist in her blossomed. She earned a journalism degree and interned as a reporter at Time Life in New York City and at the Grand Rapids Herald. She met the love of her life at Antioch, the dashing Donald Griffith. They wed and eventually settled in Grand Rapids, MI, where they raised Kim, Kay, Doug and Marti.

Doris followed her progressive passions through volunteer and board work at organizations including Fountain Street Church, Planned Parenthood, The Youth Contact Center, The Women’s Resource Center, and the Democratic Party.

She was abruptly widowed at age 54 when Donald sadly passed away. Then, motivated by her intuitive nature and the desire to help others, Doris pursued a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and began her career as a MSW therapist at age 57. She retired from private practice at age 85.

Doris adored her grandchildren and was thrilled and proud of what unique and warm adults they’ve become. She loved reading on the porch swing at the cottage at Ottawa Beach, where she created memories (many irreverent) with her children and grandchildren, and loved walking her dogs on the Lake Michigan shore.

One of Doris’ greatest joys was working with her cherished goldens – Stella, then Emmie – as a certified dog therapy team visiting the brain injured at Wildwood, which she and Emmie did as recently as one month ago.

Doris’ passions included travel, sports, nature, music/jazz, politics and animals. She visited China, Tibet, Bhutan, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Ecuador, Europe and the British Isles. She was an accomplished tennis player into her 80s and attended all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments (Australian, French, British and US). A sports fanatic, she cheered for the U of M Wolverines, and for the Detroit Tigers and Lions (when they were winning). 

Doris is survived by Emmie; her children, Kay (Robert) Hammond, Kim Griffith, Doug (Joani) Griffith and Marti (Joe) O’Brien; beloved grandchildren, Alex (Michelle), Peter (Jenna), Collin, Katelyn and Adam, and her sisters, Adeline Medalia and Marilyn Gallatin. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Griffith; sister, Sylvia Krissoff; and parents, Alex and Ruth Gittlen.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mom’s sisters, her niece and nephews and their families, and to Mom’s many friends who supported her and us during her recent illness. And, special thanks to Dr. Gary Humphries, Mom’s beloved doctor and friend.

A celebration of Doris’ life will be held on Saturday, June 18th at 3 pm at Fountain Street Church, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Fountain Street Church, Planned Parenthood, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, or the Kent County Democratic Party. 

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