Ramona E. Griffin

1943 – 2018

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Ramona E. (Bertera) Ratte Griffin, 74, died Thursday in Mercy Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Ramona was born in Holyoke, daughter of the late Angelo and Helena (Dziedzic) Bertera, and has lived in West Springfield all her life. She spent most of her career in Retail, starting as a store manager with Casual Corner in Enfield and later becoming District Manager and Regional Manager with Women's Specialty Retailing in Enfield, and The Children's Place in New Jersey. She became the Vice President of Store Operations with the T. Deane Retail Stores, then the Vice President of Record Town, and finally retired as Regional Manager with Dress Barn. Ramona also owned and operated the Crossroads Motel in West Springfield, and Arabesque Dance Supplies in West Springfield. After retiring she was the Pastry Chef at her son's restaurant, "L'uva" in Springfield. Ramona was a devout Catholic, Communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and member of the Ramapogue Women's Club in West Springfield. She was also an avid gardener. She and her husband spent much of their time traveling to exotic locations, spanning 5 Continents. She also loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She loved to golf, dance, and shop (sometimes at the same time) and truly had a general love of life. Ramona leaves her husband of 26 years Lorin C. Griffin; two children Michael Ratte and Laurette Ratte; step children Lisa Blackstone, Julie Griffin-Pluta, Dr. Richard Griffin and James Griffin; and seven grandchildren Mark and Michael Forry, Tyler Paske, Delaney and Taylor Pluta, and Hutch and Chase Blackstone. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brother John Bertera. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Wednesday at 9:00am followed by Liturgy in St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 10:am with burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00pm. For more details please visit curranjones.com. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org