Helen Joy Daines Griffin, 80, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home on April 27, 2008.

Helen was born October 16, 1927 in Lewiston, Utah, the oldest daughter of Homer G. Daines and Mary Johnson. She grew up in Smithfield, Utah, where she loved to sing and dance with her friends and read. She graduated from North Cache High School and attended two years at Utah State University where she studied child development.

She married Morris R. Griffin on September 19, 1947 in the Salt Lake City, Utah. L.D.S. Temple. Later they moved to San Francisco where she worked as a secretary at Traveler's Insurance while Morris attended dental school. Helen and Morris made their home in Downey, California where they lived for 52 years.

Helen spent her life caring for others in a kind, nonjudgmental way. An active member of the L.D.S church, she served in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations. Many benefitted from her hours of service and her gentle personality. She also served her community as a volunteer and president of the Friends for the Downey City Library. She spent many hours at the library gift shop.

Helen's greatest happiness came from serving her family and friends. She loved cooking. was an accomplished seamstress, and knew the names of all the flowers in her garden. She never missed a birthday for her children, grandchildren and friends.

Helen is survived by her husband, Morris; 3 daughters and 1 son, Marilyn (Gerry), Patricia, Sheri (Roger) and Cort (Donna); 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Peggy Daines and Donna Christiansen, and her brother, Tracy Daines.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Brian Daines and Jeffrey Todd and her sister, Marianne.

Helen's family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice for the care they provided her, as well as to her sweet caregivers Anita and Susan for their tireless and loving efforts to make her comfortable.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008, from 9 a.m. to t t:oo a.m. at the Downey 3rd Ward L.D.S. Chapel located at 10511 Paramount Blvd. Funeral services will follow at 11 :00 AM.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM in the Newton Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family at Allen Mortuaries.

In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting donations be made to the Friends for the Downey City Library at www.downeylibrary.org.