Mary Louise Griffith (née Brandes) passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on August 15, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mary was the fifth of six children born to Lewis and Mary Brandes (née O'Brien). She was the last surviving member of her generation, preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

In 1959, Mary married the late Marvin Griffith. Together they built a large and loving family. She is survived by their six children: Maeve (Sarah), Susanne (Joe), Barbara (Corkey), Joseph, Julie (Len), and Lolli (Mark). Later in life, she shared a loving, long-term partnership with the much-loved Oliver Cavens, who also preceded her in death. She was a devoted grandmother to 20 grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to 13. She was the matriarch of her nearly 100 nieces and nephews.

Mary grew up in Minneapolis and spent her summers at a rustic cabin in Remer, Minnesota—a place that fostered her love for the outdoors -mosquitos and all. As a Registered Nurse, she delivered countless babies before eventually becoming an infection control nurse, roles she carried out with great care and professionalism. Careers took her family across the country before she made her home in Elk and Spokane, Washington.

Mary was an avid reader, a formidable cribbage player (who secretly tracked her wins and losses), and a dedicated member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and steadfast support for her family and community, including the Avista Senior Living Community where she developed loving relationships with staff and residents.

In honor of Mary's lifelong dedication to nursing, donations may be made to the St. Catherine University School of Nursing.