Lydia A. Griffin

Born in Fall River, MA to the late Ruth G. (Hathaway) Feitelberg, and Frank S. Feitelberg, she was a 1950 graduate of the Academy of Sacred Hearts, and attended Bridgewater University. She was a lifelong resident of Fall River, MA.

Lydia was very active in the community; she was instrumental in the Fall River Preservation Society with the expansion of Charlton Memorial Hospital and the Southcoast Hospitals Group. She was a member of the Holy Name Parish, and was very instrumental fundraising for The Fall River Diocese Catholic Charities Appeal. She was involved in local politics, in 1974, serving as Barry F. Monahan’s campaign manager in his run for the 10th Congressional District. Lydia enjoyed spending time at the beach with her family, and was a lifetime member of the Baker’s Beach Club in Westport. She was an avid tennis player at the former Somerset Racquet Club, and absolutely loved watching her beloved Boston Celtics. She enjoyed traveling with family, and spending time in Kentucky and Florida at horse shows with her best friend Barbara Jarabek

Lydia had a passion for real estate; she loved working alongside her father at his company, Realtech Properties. She ran residential and commercial property sales from 1975- 1982. In 1983, Lydia embarked on a new real estate career on Cape Cod, joining the sales team at New Seabury Sotheby’s Real Estate. For the next 40 years, she shared her time between Cape Cod and Fall River. Lydia loved working at New Seabury; the Cape was a second home for her. She built so many wonderful relationships, many who became her lifelong friends. From local restaurants, to the shops in Mashpee, everyone in town knew her.

Lydia’s smile and sparkling blue eyes would light up the room. She was always impeccably dressed, and her outfits brought her such joy. She had a wonderful caring disposition, who always made you feel so special. Her kind hearted generous nature was one of her greatest attributes; she gave unconditionally, and would help anyone in need. She had a great sense of humor, and her laugh was contagious. To know Lydia was truly a blessing, she was one of a kind.

Lydia’s greatest love was her family, who she absolutely adored spending time with. She was the matriarch of seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. You could always count on a “Lydia story “ about one of them. Family was everything to her, and she would beam with pride talking about each and every one of them.

Lydia is survived by seven children; Sandra Griffin Feitelberg of Fall River, MA, Judeth Sullivan and her companion Geoff Rivinius of Dartmouth, MA, Nancy Benson of Somerset, MA, Robert J. Griffin, Jr. of Swansea, MA, Kathleen Griffin-Mayo and son-in-law Douglas of New Seabury, MA, Christine Coombes and companion Peter C. Goletz, Fall River, MA, and Peter J. Griffin, of Fall River, MA. Lydia leaves thirteen grandchildren; Sarah Griffin, Molly and Abby Sullivan, Christine Lydia Pitcairn and fiancé Ryan Peterson, Hannah and Amy Benson, Christopher and Nicholas Griffin, Morgan Coombes, and fiancé Kyle Medeiros, Ryan and Charlotte Coombes, Quinn and Griffin Mayo; great-grandson AJ Tripp; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Ruth (Hathaway) Feitelberg, her father Frank S. Feitelberg, her former husband, Robert J. Griffin, brother Morris M. Feitelberg, her sister Nancy Brisson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. John of God Church, 1036 Brayton Ave, Somerset. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, April 26th from 4-8 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street St., Fall River.