Joan D. (Hensley) Griffin

Joan D. (Hensley) Griffin, 87, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away Tuesday July 2, 2024, with her family by her side at High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA.

Born June 8, 1937 in Boston, MA she was the daughter of the late Frederick R. Hensley and Nell L. (Balukonis) Hensley. She was educated in the Boston Public Schools and graduated from Somerville High School. While attending high school she thrived and enjoyed being part of the Drill Team. She was one of the ‘officers’ out front who shouted orders to the rest of the team. Big surprise to all that knew her!

After high school she went on to be educated in switchboard operation. She landed a job at New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. where she met and later married the father of her four children, William E. Griffin in 1958.

After being a full time mother for many years, she went back to work in real estate and the rest is history. After numerous years as a broker, she was awarded a managerial role at the Billerica office of Emerson Real Estate. She remained there for more than 25 years before transferring back to the Chelmsford office. She later worked for DeWolfe New England, Coldwell Banker, and lastly ERA Realty. She thrived on teaching her agents everything she knew. She knew the business, she knew lots of people and it was a big plus being around and associated with her. She gave everything she had to her job, her family, and the success of who she was working for. She received numerous awards and distinctions during her career.

She is survived by her four children; William M. Griffin & his wife Brenda of Westford, Gregory R. Griffin of Maynard, Gail L. Griffin of Lowell, and Julie A. Krasnecki & her husband John (Jack) of Canterbury, NH.; her four grandchildren, Abigail G. Lagasse & her husband Donald Jr. (DJ), Emily R. Griffin, Adam G. Krasnecki & Matthew W. Krasnecki; also two great grandchildren, Aurora G. Lagasse & Drew A. Lagasse, whom she adored!

Joan loved to cook! She expressed her love for all by cooking for them. She hosted many parties for family, friends and coworkers until she was unable to do so. In her later years, she was happiest cooking, tending her gardens, and connecting with old friends. Sadly, many of her dear friends have passed before her; Gail, Helen & George, Dotti, Barbara, Rita, George M. & Ellie to name a few. Joan will be remembered for her kindness, her smile, and her generosity. She was a wonderful woman, an amazing mother; she made much of her life, and raised four children with little help. She will be missed by all she touched.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the gentle, kind and loving staff at High Pointe House for the care she received in her final days. ‘Billerica Joan’ says farewell!

All are invited to the Funeral Mass on Thursday, July 11, at St. Mary’s Church, 25 North Rd. Chelmsford at 11 am. Burial to follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford.  Private visitation for family at Tyngsborough Funeral Home, 4 Cassaway Dr. at 9:15 am. Please kindly make donations to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. at https://www.alz.org/ or give flowers!! You all know Joanie loved flowers!! 

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