ORONO – Sandra (Styrna) Griffin, 59, died peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, surrounded by her family at her home. Sandi was born Feb. 12, 1952, in Hanover, N.H., the daughter of Edmund and Beverly (Johnson) Styrna.
Sandi will be remembered as a dedicated wife, daughter, mother, sister, auntie, niece, cousin and friend. She was a patient listener and told funny and engaging stories. People loved to tell her news because she got so excited about the good fortune of others. Her life’s philosophy was to have an open heart and see the good in everyone and everything. Sandi grew up in Orono and graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1973. That year she was married to David R. Griffin and moved to Peoria, Ill., where David had a job working for Caterpillar, Inc. In 1984, they moved to Upton, Mass., where they lived for 16 years. Sandi was especially busy during this time, working as a teacher aide, earning her master’s degree from Framingham State College, and being a devoted wife and mother. She also worked as a special education teacher in the Holliston, Mass., school district for many years. When her children were grown, Sandi and David moved to Las Vegas, where David is employed at Cashman Equipment. Sandi took frequent trips to New England to visit and care for friends and family. In 2007 she and David bought a home on Main Street, Orono, which she enjoyed transforming according to her signature style. Sandi will be most remembered for her compassion. She never missed a birthday and was mindful of every detail needed to make celebrations special. Her family and friends will miss her dearly.
Sandi is survived by her husband, David; son, Russell; daughter, Rebecca; son-in-law, Michael Fournier; sister, Susan Boyce; nephew, Bradley Rivard; and nieces, Rachel Rivard and Emily Boyce.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Brookings-Smith, Orono Chapel, 72 Main St., Orono. Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Church of Universal Fellowship, Orono, with the Rev. Lorna Grenfell, minister, officiating. Those who wish may make gifts in Sandi’s memory to Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St., Orono, ME 04473. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.