Ellen LaPlante Griffin
August 5, 1946 ~ July 7, 2025
Born in:
Milford, CT
Resided in:
Meriden, CT
Ellen LaPlante Griffin, 78, of Meriden, passed away on July 7, 2025, after a hard-fought battle on dialysis.
She was the loving mother of David Gavin, Kevin Gavin, Julie Ward, Amy Gavin, Jean-Marie Griffin, William Griffin, and Shaun Griffin. A devoted grandmother, Ellen will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Tricia, Rebecca, Dakota, Robert, Olivia, Gabrielle, Victoria, Devin, Mason, Christopher, Tyler, Conner, Kevin, Riley, Mason, and Caiden. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Alaynna, Freya, and Jameson.
Ellen was born in Milford, CT, on August 5, 1946, the daughter of the late Charles and Marjorie (Chaud) LaPlante. She was predeceased by her brothers, David and Edward LaPlante, and a beloved grandchild, L.J.
Growing up in Milford, Ellen developed a lifelong love for the beach and lighthouses. These early passions became symbolic of the life she would lead-a beacon of light and hope to so many. As an adult, she dedicated more than 25 years to being a foster mother, opening her heart and home to over 100 children over the years, many with special needs. Her home offered more than just shelter-it provided safety, stability, and a second chance to children who needed it most.
The Gavin/Griffin house was never empty. It became a true “lighthouse” for the neighborhood, filled with warmth, laughter, and boundless love. Between her own seven children, their friends who fondly called her “Mom,” and the many foster children she welcomed, her home was always alive with energy and care.
Ellen was known for her huge heart, her loving spirit, and her unwavering devotion as a mother-not only to her own children but to so many others who were blessed to be touched by her kindness.
Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped and the love she gave so freely.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, July 11, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. A Prayer Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Services
Visitation: July 11, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Meriden
48 Cook Avenue
Meriden, CT 06451
203-235-4152
Prayer Service: July 11, 2025 11:00 am
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Meriden
48 Cook Avenue
Meriden, CT 06451
203-235-4152
You will be in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Thank you for all you have done for us. We will always miss your support smile and strength that you showed us on a daily basis!
Love you
Ina
Thankyou for choosing me to be your daughter and thank you for never giving up on me when others have. thank you for being such an awesome grandmother to my child. Thank you for the love and warmth and dedication you gave to me throughout the years of raising me. You were my inspiration, my queen & my bestfriend. The bond we had was unmatched. Nobody can ever understand and it’s not meant for them to. It’s gonna take some time for me to realize I can’t talk to you every day. You’re not there to pick up the phone. I can’t come visit on Saturdays anymore. You’re not there to answer the door. I understand you’re in a better place now and you’re not suffering. I love you more than words could ever express Mama. You gave me a second chance at life, You always had tons of us in the house at once. There’s no words that would tell you how thankful I am. Some one needed an angel up there . now you got your wings. Fly high mom. Rest easy & please stay with me. This is the worst heartbreak I’ve ever felt. You are missed beyond belief.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda Quinn