Rosemary M. Griffen, a 16-year resident of Oak Harbor, died at her home in Oak Harbor on April 26, 2005, at the age of 90. She was born in Ballard Oct. 20, 1914, to John and Grace (Woltman) Turner. Rosemary grew up in Ballard and graduated from Ballard High School.

After graduation, Rosemary worked for a time at a foundry, manufacturing metal Social Security identification cards. During World War II, she served aboard the state ferry system vessels on the Bremerton runs. She also was employed by Weisfield’s Jewelry.

Rosemary married Raymond Griffen, a career Navy man. She eventually went to work for Sears, Roebuck and Company at the downtown store. Following retirement, she moved to Issaquah. Raymond died and Rosemary returned to work, this time as a caseworker for the Department of Social and Health Services.

In 1976, she moved to Oak Harbor. She became very active in the formation of the Oak Harbor Senior Center. In 1983, she moved to Bremerton, returning to Oak Harbor in 1989.

Rosemary loved doting on her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, animals, and sewing. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge of Issaquah and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Whitehead-Muzzall Post No. 7392 of Oak Harbor.

Rosemary Griffen is survived by three children: Deidre “Dee” Wichers and husband John of Oak Harbor; Rae Cahill, also of Oak Harbor and Michael Griffen and wife Barbara of Yuma, Ariz. Eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren also survive. Her husband Raymond preceded her in death.

Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.