Patricia "Patty" G. (Griffin) Starr

STARR, Patricia G. (Griffin) of Norwood passed away on March 14, 2025 at the age of 72. Born in Norwood in 1953, Patricia was a 1971 graduate of Norwood High School. She went on to graduate from Boston State College in 1975, and then got her master’s degree at Bridgewater State.

Patty began her career as a middle school math teacher in Barnstable. She eventually transitioned into working as a parent liaison for early intervention through THOM Neponset Valley and had an incredible impact on the children and families she worked with. Despite “retiring”, over the last 8 years, she took on her most cherished role as “Mamo,” caring for her beloved grandchildren, which is itself, at times, a fulltime job.

Patty spent most of her life in Norwood, where she was known and loved throughout the town for her boundless positive energy and friendly demeanor. She contributed to the town and community through her many years in the Norwood Housing Authority, Norwood Scholarship Foundation, and Norwood Community Preservation Committee, as well as serving on the PTO and Parent Advisory Councils, among countless other roles. She was an amazing advocate for the special needs programming in the town of Norwood, improving the special education program through the school system as well as post-school supports for young adults with special needs, all of which continues to improve the lives of many children and adults in the community.

Patty loved spending time with her family and friends, and her impact on those around her was unforgettable. She enriched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness and sociability. She was always there for anyone who needed her with a baked treat and a helping hand. She was (in)famous for her passion for holiday decorations, particularly at Christmastime, when her Christmas spirit would drive her to the rooftop to display Santa and the reindeer, even into her 70s. She loved Cape Cod and the beach, which was just about the only time she would relax and take a break from helping those around her.

Patty was the beloved wife of Thomas M. Starr; devoted Mother of Kimberly R. Banigan and her husband Edward of Sharon, Patrick G. Reardon of Norwood, Greg T. Starr of Worcester, Colleen M. Starr of Whitman, Michelle E. Starr of Hyannis, and Patrick M. Starr and Allison Doliner of Foxboro; sister of John “Bunny” L. Griffin and his late wife Lorraine of Walpole, Carol A. Cote and her husband Pete of Norwood, Bob M. Griffin and his wife Helene of Norwood, Cathy M. Barnicle and her husband John of Norwood, Chris P. Griffin and his wife Martha of Norwood and the late Maureen E. Morrissey and her husband Dan of Brockton; and cherished grandmother of Nolan, Calvin, Owen, and Elliot. Daughter of the late John L. and Catherine M. (Maloney) Griffin. She is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 4-8pm at the Kraw Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Timothy’s Parish 650 Nichols St. Norwood, MA. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Griffin Family Scholarship c/o Norwood Scholarship Foundation P.O Box 112 Norwood, MA 02062 www.norwood.dollarsforscholars.org or to the Norwood Circle of Hope Foundation P.O. Box 421 Norwood, MA 02062 www.norwoodcoh.org