Cover photo for Nadine Griffin's Obituary
Nadine Griffin Profile Photo

Nadine Griffin

June 12, 1927 — July 27, 2017

Nadine Griffin

Nadine Leota Griffin, 90, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away July 27, 2017. Nadine was born June 12, 1927, in San Francisco, Calif., to Ruth Story and James Dewey Smith. She was joined by her sister, Betty, three years later.

Nadine attended first through eighth grades in Calistoga, Calif., and graduated from high school in San Francisco in 1945. Prior to graduation, she met and married Val Gilbert. Together, they had five children and several foster children before his passing in 1964. In 1965, she met Bob Griffin at a dance class. They married in 1967, having two more children.

They moved from Sunnyvale, Calif., to Hayden, Idaho, in 1972, where they bought a home that eventually doubled in size as Bob remodeled it. This once basic house slowly evolved into a beautiful home over the years, with a unique character that Nadine took great pride in maintaining and decorating.

Nadine was passionate about so many activities including sewing, gardening, cooking, walking and keeping her home in order. There were many enjoyable summers spent with her family boating, camping and picnicking. She treasured her yearly trips to the San Francisco Bay area and Michigan to spend time with family. Nadine also enjoyed preserving and canning many of the fruits and vegetables from her annual summer garden, and she made delicious jams to go on her homemade yogurt and whole wheat bread. Her family looked forward to that amazing bread, which she learned to make while studying nutrition and healthy living.

Nadine was also a gifted seamstress and made many beautiful dresses over the years, including a wedding dress and various outfits for her children and grandchildren. She could make everything from curtains and dolls, to handbags and Christmas stockings. She also had an embroidery machine and enjoyed making intricate designs on many different projects. Whether it was pants in need of hemming, or the creation of a dance costume, Nadine was always eager to get started on a new project.

During her last decade of life, Nadine struggled with short-term memory loss, and her ability to pursue her hobbies and interests rapidly diminished. Despite those painful losses, her witty sense of humor and sweet and patient spirit remained strong and vibrant. Nadine always looked at the bright side of life and maintained a calm and reassuring presence to all who knew her, even in her final days. Her positive outlook and willingness to help those in need will forever be remembered by her family and friends.

Nadine was preceded in death by her first husband, Val, in 1964; sister Betty in 1997; and most recently, her husband, Bob, in 2014. She is survived by her seven children: Valdine (Mike) Landry of Veradale; Jim (Sun-Cha) Gilbert of San Jose, Calif.; Pam Calomeni of Ann Arbor, Mich.; David (Laura) Gilbert of Coeur d’Alene; Cathy (Donnie) Roland of Rathdrum; Bobby (Brenda) Griffin of Coeur d’Alene; and Janet (Pat) Pace of Coeur d’Alene. Nadine is also survived by 23 beautiful grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

There will be a Memorial Dinner On Tuesday August 15, 2017 from 5:30-7:30 at The Jewett House in Coeur d' Alene.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nadine Griffin, please visit our flower store.

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