Ava M Griffiths

Ava (Kinney) Griffiths, 53, of Collegeville, PA, and formerly of Blue Bell, died peacefully Monday, August 10, 2009 at the University of Penn Hospital after a long struggle with heart and lung disease which were the residual effects of radiation and chemotherapy she received as a young women to overcome Hodgkin's Disease. Born and raised in Hazelton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Nunzio and Geneva Kinney, and wife of Robert A. Griffiths, Esq. Ava was a long tenured Special Education Teacher with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, she was a graduate of East Stroudsburg University, and taught special education classes in public schools for 29 years. She was credited with using innovative and adaptive techniques to allow her students to maximize independent life skills and experience the theatre and the arts. A member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and National Education Association (NEA), she was a multi-year delegate to state and national conventions. From 2000-2006 she served on the PSEA's Professional Rights and Responsibilities Commission. Additionally, she served on and ultimately chaired contract negotiations for her Montgomery County Intermediate Unit colleagues. Despite dual shoulder replacements, she became an avid golfer and served as co-chairperson on the Women's Golf Committee at Plymouth Country Club. In addition to her husband of thirty-one years, she is survived by their son Robert Anthony Griffiths, at home; brother Anthony J. (Christine) Kinney, Sr., Mechanicsburg, PA; and nephews: Robert D. Freas, Ellenton, FL; Anthony J. 'AJ' Kinney, West Chester, PA; Jeffrey Freas, Ntn., PA; and Benjamin J. Kinney, Pittsburg, PA. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, August 14, 2009 from 9 - 10:15 AM at St. Helena's Church, 1399 Dekalb Pike, Center Square, PA. Her Memorial Mass will follow at 10:30 AM. Entombment of her ashes in St. Patrick's Cemetery Mausoleum, Dekalb Pike, E. Norriton, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to: Hematology/Oncology Clinic, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822-2001.

Funeral Home:
Caramenico Funeral Home
403 E Main St
Norristown, PA
US 19401
Events

Cemetery

Friday, August 14, 2009
11:30AM
St. Patrick's Cemetery
2400 Dekalb Pike
East Norriton, PA 19401
Phone: 610-272-4385

Visitation

Friday, August 14, 2009
9:00AM - 10:15AM
St Helena Church
1489 Dekalb Pike
Center Square, PA 19401
Phone: 610-275-7777

Service

Friday, August 14, 2009
10:30AM
St Helena Church
1489 Dekalb Pike
Center Square, PA 19401
Phone: 610-275-7777

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