A Woman Admired

WWHP members were asked, “Is there an historical woman you have always admired?you be interested in writing an article for the Fall newsletter on her?”  The person chosen in response to this was    Veronica Mancini Griffin and the recommendation was that her obituary be reprinted.  Permission was received from her daughter.

WORCESTER - Veronica Mancini Griffin, 75, of Worcester, died Monday,   July 16, 2018 at the UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus.

Veronica leaves a son, Matthew J. Griffin of Worcester; a daughter, Molly Patten; three grandchildren, Abigail, Madison and Braden Patten, of Rockport; and a sister, Sara Byrne of North Carolina. Her husband Dr. Braden E. Griffin died in 1998.

Veronica was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, daughter of Benard and Teresa (Ergonis) Mancini. She has lived in Worcester more than 40 years.

She graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown, majoring in French Literature. She later earned a master's degree in Reading and Education at Worcester State University.

Veronica was teacher in the Worcester Public Schools for more than 30 years. She taught English as a Second Language for most of those years at Doherty High School. Previously, she helped immigrants to the Worcester area learn English through Catholic Charities.

Veronica had a strong commitment to social justice and made an enormous impact in her adopted home city.

Some heroes don't wear capes. Some angels don't have wings. Veronica's heart was pure, and she was a hero to so many and an angel on earth. She tirelessly fought forcivil rights and women's rights. She fought for humanity. She fought for peace. She was an advocate for those without voices. She made the world a better place for those whom were lucky enough to know her. She had boundless energy and endless love. Her passion was teaching. Her ESL classroom was filled with children from 40 different countries; she would reach them all. Her students loved her dearly.

Veronica was the recipient of many awards and accolades all of which humbled her.

They include the Thomas Green Award for Public Service in 1989 and Woman of the Year in 1993. She was twice awarded a Key to the City of Worcester.

She chaired the City Manager's Committee on the Status of Women. She worked on the Women's Rights Project and was an active member of the American Civil Liberties Union. She was a past president of the Board of Directors of the Worcester Public Library. She was politically active, especially for Democratic Party candidates. She campaigned tirelessly for several local candidates including Konstantina Lukes.

Veronica was a hero. She was an angel. She made a difference. She was loved.