Obituary of Melissa Lee Griggs

We mournfully announce the passing of Melissa Lee Griggs, 77, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Melissa passed away on November 23, 2023 after a battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Melissa was born to Jack and Rosemary “Billie” Griggs on October 10, 1946 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She was raised in Oil City, Pennsylvania, until the family moved to Minnesota in 1963. Melissa graduated from Bloomington High School in 1964. Melissa held a degree in social studies from the University of Minnesota. After graduating from the U of M, Melissa taught history and coached girls track and volleyball at West High School in Minneapolis. She then pursued a career in real estate and eventually became a mortgage loan officer. When Melissa retired, she split her time between Minneapolis and Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Melissa was a devoted sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many. She had varied interests and passions throughout her life. She loved dogs, chocolate, the color purple, and conversations filled with laughter. Hobbies included playing bridge, reading, watching the Minnesota Twins and Green Bay Packers, and most notably quilting. Melissa was an award-winning modern quilter and in recent years served as a quilt show judge. She was also an active member of South Minneapolis Quilters, Minnesota Quilters, and several other quilt clubs in both Minnesota and Arizona. She participated in the Ravishing Readers book club in Arizona.

Melissa was preceded in death by parents Jack and Rosemary Griggs and brother John “Chris” Griggs. Melissa is survived by a niece, two nephews, and their spouses and children — as well as long-time friends. We will all miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at City Church in Minneapolis on Thursday, December 14. Join Melissa’s family and friends from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m for a luncheon in the Great Room. City Church is located at 1501 W 54th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Please use the back parking lot and the downstairs entrance. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Humane Society or Minnesota Quilters.