On September 10, 2016, Shirley K. Griffin passed away after an 11year battle with lung cancer at Touchmark in Helena, MT. Shirley was 81 years old.
She was born on May 22, 1935 and raised in Helena as the second of nine children in the Dan Kasperick family. Shirley spent her formative years playing the organ and singing with the St. Helena Cathedral choir. She graduated from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kansas majoring in voice and received a teaching certificate in music.
She married Richard J. Griffin on January 2, 1960 in Helena, MT and had three children: Eric, Leif, and Mary. She also has three grandchildren, Riley; son of Eric and Denice Griffin of Helena, MT, and Morgan and Robert; sons of Leif and Leanne Griffin of Missoula, MT. Mary and her husband, Kevin Todd reside in Kent, Washington.
Shirley sang in the Helena Symphony and Choral and the Butte Chorale Society. After retiring as a music teacher from Clancy and Montana City schools, she led the music at St. John’s in Clancy, MT. Shirley enjoyed reading, watching movies, walking, and spending time with her family, especially her grandsons and sister, Marie Brazier.
Shirley is known for her kindness and thinking of other’s needs, but rarely of herself. Her 80th birthday celebration was held on May 23, 2015 in Helena, MT. More than 100 people attended the celebration with guests traveling from even Texas and California. The birthday celebration was a tribute to honor, Shirley, and all that she has accomplished in our community.
Shirley was preceded in death by: husband, Richard. J. Griffin; parents, Dan and Catherine Kasperick; and brothers, David, Danny, and Fredrick Kasperick.
Shirley is survived by her brothers and sisters: Joe Kasperick of Butte, MT; Marie Brazier of Helena, MT; Steve Kasperick of Boulder, CO; Mark Kasperick of Sandy, UT , Kay Hinch of Whitefish, MT, and numerous other relations in Montana, Colorado, Utah, California, Washington, and Wyoming.
The family wishes to thank and acknowledge the care of Shirley in Helena by the Memory Care Unit staff at Touchmark, Rocky Mountain Hospice and Dr. Thomas Weiner and staff of St. Peter’s Hospital.
A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Monday September 19th at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs Street, East Helena. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service in the parish hall of the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley’s honor to the Clancy Library, 3 N. Main Street, Clancy MT 59634 or a charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Shirley.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday September 19, 2016
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the service
Monday September 19, 2016
Parish Hall of the Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Clint Anderson says
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Naomi Rennerfeldt says
My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to all of Shirley’s family and friends. I helped to care for her when she was at Touchmark Assisted Living facility for the past six months. She was such a kind, loving and strong lady. He strength amazed me and she truly touched my heart. May she rest in peace as she soars with the rest of the angels in Heaven.
Leah says
I am so sorry for the loss of Shirley. I worked with her at Touchmark, and she had a very kind and generous soul. I am honored to have known her, and grateful that I had the chance to enjoy her sense of humor. RIP, Shirley. You were a wonderful lady.
Paul & Bobbi Foran says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mrs. Griffin was always a kind and thoughtful person. She will be missed.
Julie and Jeff Werder says
We are so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing – what a wonderful, kind, funny woman she was! I remember laughing with her over the fact that she didn’t like to write “forty” on her checks because she always got confused on the spelling, and that when she drove she would just make a bunch of right turns because she hated turning left. She had a way of making us feel we had known her forever even though we only met Leif after college. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Shirley’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Dan and Mary Postellon says
We remember Shirley as the leader of the Kasperick “family choir” when our son Stephen married her niece Teresa. Shirley had written a wonderful song parody to wish the bride happiness and success. Our deepest condolences to all who will miss her.
Mark Kasperick says
Not only was Shirley a great sister but she (and Dick) were so generous when I was younger when I stayed with them many times over night and one whole summer. Many fond memories for me from those times in Lump Gulch such as riding bikes down to the back gate – climbing on huge rocks – hikes – playing baseball in Clancy – learning how to downhill ski and doing “jumps” with the irrigation ditch as our launching pad – climbing around in the old barn by the house (and accidently dropping hammer on Eric’s head) – the Book Mobile – and her driving all us kids around in the Volkswagen Bug. Just a few of the great times/memories afforded me by Shirley. In addition to all the good times I was able to spend and get to know Eric, Leif, and Mary and enjoy times with them.
Brenda Marks says
My beautiful Aunt Shirley was a wonderful role model and friend. One of my favorite memories of her is at Dick’s retirement party. She was wearing a jumpsuit that showed off her fit figure and was so alive and happy, talking about their upcoming trip to Italy. I hope to be that woman some day. Shirley was supportive. She sent me notes of encouragement as well as a much appreciated $10 my first year after college when I was living in Seattle and making barely enough money to scrape by. She taught me how to use a Nordic track and inspired me to get one of my own. We had the same taste in clothes and on more then one occasion discovered that we had purchased the exact same suit or shirt! She gave me several of her suits when she retired. She graciously agreed to sing the music that we picked out (I’m sure not her first choice) at our wedding. She always held my hand when we were together at family gatherings which relieved the anxiety I feel in those situations. I will forever miss that comforting hand and her kind and gentle encouragement. So blessed to have had such a wonderful aunt. I love you Shirley.
Marie Francis says
Shirley was such a beautiful person and an excellent teacher.I am very proud that she taught my children and family.It was an honor to know her and care for Richard.My prayers and thought go out to all of you.
Love,
Marie Francis and Family
Michelle McBride says
Mary and family, I read your Mother’s obituary in the Missoulian and we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. E-mail me sometime and we can visit. Michelle McBride and David Wanca
Mary Runkel says
Marie- my special thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your funny, delightful, warm, and caring sister. May all of your memories give you comfort.
Cheryl Cornish says
Having just had surgery, it saddens me that I won’t be able to attend the service for Shirley. Shirley taught me so much as a music mentor at Montana City and Clancy Schools. She was always a joy to work with and be around. Loved her smile and loving heart! At MMEA meetings, others asked if I was her daughter. We would look at each other and laugh!
Bobbi (Barbara Price) Wood says
She was my mentor. She was one who understood my passion for music. The world is now a bit more silent, but heaven has gained a mighty voice. Eric, Leif, Mary…my heart is with you.
Vicki Kroll says
My heart and prayers go out to Shirley’s family. She was a great person, and always was so gracious. Enjoyed the many hours she came to the Hillbrook Nursing Home to sing and play for the residents. And my kids have many memories of her from their school day. Rest in peace, Shirley.
Becky Kosena says
Shirley was my music teacher all of my grade school years at Clancy Elementary School….her music class was always my favorite…I still remember some of the songs she taught me… Much heartfelt sympathy for your family….
Becky Kosena
Shirley McGeary says
I have a story to tell. A little over 80 years ago two women, one in Montana, the other in Missouri, gave birth to baby girls on the same day,,,a blonde and a brunette. The mothers named them Shirley Ann. As time came for the girls to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, they both chose the saint’s name of Bernadette, I.e. Shirley Ann Bernadette.
The girls chose Saint Mary College, now known as the University of Saint Mary, for their higher education. Shirley Kasperick received a full scholarship for her talent as a vocalist. Shirley Canaday was a business major…no scholarship. The two Shirley’s laughingly called each other Shirley K and Shirley C to simplify things. They were roommates their junior and senior years.
Even though they lived a long distance apart, the two Shirley’s kept close through phone calls and occasional visits from the McGearys. Shirley and Bob went to Touchmark last year and were planning to do so again in early October. I had no knowledge of the seriousness of her health problem. I will miss Shirley K a great deal. I thank God that she has found comfort and peace. Shirley C
Rae Bailey says
My thoughts and prayers are with Erik, Leif and Mary. Mrs. Griffin was a wonderful person and a great teacher. I have very fond memories of learning to play the recorder in 5th grade and singing in the Christmas concerts at Clancy Elementary.
Jennifer Pursell says
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She and I taught together at Clancy School for 10 years. Many are the times I was “kicked out of my gym” for music practices but the end performances were worth it.
Pam (Rudio) Novak says
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Griffin family. So many wonderful memories of growing up with Mary, hearing Shirley’s beautiful voice as she sang from her home in our neighborhood, as well as when she sang and taught music at Clancy School to both myself and then to my kids. I loved her sense of humor and she always had a little bit of a *twinkle* in her eye whenever she spoke — almost as though nobody knew what she might say next. What a beautiful lady who followed her calling and truly “did what she loved & loved what she did”. Hugs to you all …
Anna Salini (Kincl) says
So sorry to hear this she had all 3 of my children at Montana City School. She was a compassionate sweet person. May she rest in peace.
Mike LaVigne says
Eric, Leif and Mary- please accept my condolences. She was a wonderful woman, and she and Dick raised three outstanding children. She will be missed.
Rick Marks says
What a great lady. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Renee Roehl Garrett says
Mrs. Griffin was a wonderful lady! What a privilege to have known her, my deepest condolences to all of you, especially Eric, Leif and Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.
Marsha Alsbury says
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Giffin’s passing. She was so kind to my children and I appreciate it and will for always
Steve Kasperick says
Rest In Peace, my sister Shirley. You are a fine example of love and sharing. I love you.