Obituary of Naomi P. Griffiths

Naomi Griffiths, 95, of Viera, FL, passed away on December 16, 2023, in Titusville. She was born Naomi Pina on June 23, 1928, in Queens, NY, to Virginia and Louis Pina.

Naomi was born and raised in New York City. She met her husband Robert (Bob) Griffiths through her college sorority sister (who was Bob's cousin), and they married in 1950. They lived in Queens, NY, and then in San Salvador, Bahamas, before moving to Brewster, NY, where they resided for 40 years. Naomi and Bob had a vacation home in Orlando, FL, eventually becoming snowbirds and then full-time residents in Florida in 2006. They lived in Orlando, Kissimmee, and finally settled in Viera, FL, where they resided in Heritage Isle for 10 years. They were avid tennis players and cherished being close to their children and grandchildren. From 2018 to 2023, Naomi lived at the Brennity in Viera, FL, where she made many friends and helped organize the onsite lending library.

Naomi is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Vachna and husband John of Flagler Beach, FL, and Dara Touma and partner Ervin Perkins of Rockledge, FL. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Aaron Cuffee of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sara Meredith Cuffee of Poughkeepsie, NY, Antoine Touma Jr. of Seffner, FL, and Madalyn Touma of New York, New York. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Virginia Duff of New Milford, CT. Naomi was predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) Griffiths and son-in-law Antoine Touma Sr.

Naomi attended Queens College, in NY where she graduated in 1949 with a degree in Psychology and Education. She later obtained a Master of Library Science from Pratt Institute School of Information Sciences in NY. Naomi's career began as a Children's Librarian in Maspeth and Sunnyside, NY, during the 1950s. She then worked as a School Librarian in Port Washington, NY, and later became a Fourth Grade Teacher in Brewster, NY. During their time in San Salvador, Bahamas, Naomi homeschooled her daughter and a few other students. She dedicated 16 years of her career as a School Librarian for Green Chimneys School in Brewster, NY. From 1987 to 1993, she served as an adjunct College Librarian at Western CT State College in Danbury, CT, before retiring in 1993.

Outside of her professional life, Naomi had a passion for reading and acquiring knowledge. She was an avid reader and book lover, always eager to expand her understanding. Tennis was another one of her beloved hobbies, and she particularly adored the colors blue and white, amassing a large collection of Blue Willow designed items.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Visitation on January 2, 2024, starting at 10am, followed by an 11am funeral mass at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 5655 Stadium Parkway, Melbourne, FL 32940. A burial/internment ceremony will take place on January 4, 2024, at 1pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, located at 5525 US-1, Mims, FL 32754.

Beckman & Williamson Funeral Home in Rockledge, FL, is assisting with the arrangements.