Jean Ella Griggs

ORANGE – Jean Ella Griggs, 88, of Griggs Road, while in her home and surrounded by family, quietly and peacefully went to be with her Lord on Thursday, February 13, 2020.

Born June 21, 1931 in Lancaster, NH, she was the daughter of Fred Anson and Clara Isabele (Brown) Wesson. Jean attended Danville Elementary School and graduated from Danville High School, as valedictorian, in 1949.

On October 25, 1949 she married Kenneth W. Griggs in Danville. Following their marriage, they lived in many places before moving to their home on Griggs Road in Orange. Kenneth passed away on December 12, 2014.

Jean was employed as an office worker with Cary Maple Products prior to becoming a full time homemaker for many years. She then worked at the Vermont Tax and Motor Vehicle Departments until 1971, when she and Ken founded Kenco, Inc., a custodial supply business, which the family owned and operated until Ken’s retirement in 2007.

Very active in her small community, Jean was a member of the Orange School Board, Home Dem Club and helped in the establishment of a 4-H club in Orange.

Jean’s true passion was serving the Lord, which she did as a member of the Orange Alliance Church, where she served as clerk, deaconess and taught Sunday school. For many years she was a member of the Gideon International Auxiliary, traveling the world distributing bibles and testaments.

In her leisure time, Jean enjoyed sewing, reading, and attending her grandchildren’s countless sporting events, concerts, dance events, awards banquets, plays and graduations. Following Ken’s passing she spent time helping out at Project Independence.

Survivors include her children Donna Gallagher and husband, Harry of Orange; Reginald Griggs and wife, Betsy Ross of Barre; Patsy Knapp and husband, Luke of Orange; Lori Beede and husband, Leon of Washington; and Scott Griggs and wife, Debbie of Orange; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth; her grandson Chris Chaloux; and her sister Carolyn Walling.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Jean’s life will be held in the Brookhaven Cemetery in Orange at a later time to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to Project Independence, 81 North Main Street, Barre, VT 05641.

The family wishes to thank Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, as well as the many caregivers that took great care of Jean over the past few months. A special thanks to Susie, whose special love and caring will never be forgotten!