Violette (Argiroff) Griffen

  Violette Griffen (Argiroff), age 94, formerly of Detroit, Dearborn, and Fenton, Michigan, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023.  Violette was born in Windsor, Canada, the daughter of Tsveta (Kuzoff) and Turpo Argiroff, who emigrated from the Macedonian region of northern Greece.  She graduated from Fordson High School in 1947, and worked at the Detroit Central Station before dedicating her life to family and St. Clement Orthodox Church in Dearborn, Michigan, where she was a dedicated parishioner for more than 70 years. On September 17, 1950, she married Thomas Judson Griffen, and they raised 3 children together.  

Violette spent 54 wonderful years with her husband Thomas. In their retirement years they relocated to Fenton where she spent time entertaining family and friends from here and abroad.  She loved cooking traditional Macedonian and Bulgarian food, working on her landscaping, travel, culture, and interior design. She especially enjoyed extended summer visits from her grandchildren. At the church, she was a member of the ladies’ club and helped organize countless parish events and milestones. Violette and Thomas were key contributors of the Altar Road project - which they named together and borders a variety of churches on Ford Road in Dearborn today. 

Violette is survived by her three children as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren including:

Her daughter Marlene (Joseph) Maltese and families; Laura (Caleb) Simmonds, Skylar and Lydia; Jason (Marie) Maltese, Landon, Hailey, Greyson, Sawyer, Max, and Amelia. 

Her son Christopher (Jennifer) Griffen and families; Katie Griffen; Erin Bindschatel, and Corey Killingbeck. 

Her son, Steven (Joan) Griffen and families; Brian Griffen; Matthew (Jennifer) Griffen, Aubrey, Quinn, and Kellen; Rachel (John) Burmeister, John. 

One sister-in-law, Susan Argiroff and several nieces and nephews.

Violette was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; parents; brother, Carl Argiroff; son-in-law, Joseph Maltese; and an infant child born sleeping.

A visitation will take place at 9:30 am on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, with an Orthodox funeral service to follow at 11:00 am at Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church in Williamsburg, Michigan.  A burial service will take place at Grand Lawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 30, 2023 – contact Violette’s family for details. Donations can be made in her memory to St. Clement Orthodox Church, 19600 Ford Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48128.

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