Dana Griffin Obituary

WASHINGTON, DC -- With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dana Katharine Griffin, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend at age 72. She was born October 24, 1952, at Sivley Memorial Hospital in Washington DC.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Betty Gray of Tampa, FL, brothers Glenn Gray of Souderton Pennsylvania and Bruce Gray of Houston Texas.

She is survived by her sister Jeanie Gray of Odessa FL, and her children Desirae (Duane) Hamrick of Odessa FL, Stacey (David) Minton-Sons of Bushnell FL, James Griffin of Lima Ohio and 6 grandchildren.

Katharine's life took her to many places, and she enjoyed many adventures. She resided in Suitland MD, upstate NY, Japan, Tampa Fl and Texas before settling on Ohio. She was a talented photographer and artist. In her younger years you would always see her with a camera in her hand or around her neck. She did some print modeling and was a freelance photographer for a time, later taking a job as a lab tech at Smith-Kline Beecham until her health prompted an earlier retirement.

Life and love did not always work out for her the way she wanted, but she was resilient and always pushed forward. After her early retirement she lived a quiet life, struggling with her health for many years, caregiving for her son James and making the best of each day. In this last year she found her love of drawing again and she could be found sketching her beloved birds and other wildlife. Most recently Katharine resided at Burtons Ridge ALF and loved her community and friends she made there.

She peacefully transitioned from this life after continued illness on March 8, 2025, at 8:06 pm with her children by her side under the compassionate care of hospice at St. Rita's.

A private interment will be held according to her wishes at a later date.