Kaitlyn Donna Leary Griffin “Katie”, 44, of Taunton, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Morton Hospital in Taunton. She was born in Taunton, the daughter of Ret. TPD. Francis “Ted” and Patricia (Leary) Griffin of Mattapoisett. Kaitlyn overcame her disabilities and challenges with a profound triumph. Kaitlyn had a luminous aura of love that everyone around could see and actually feel. Kaitlyn’s love was genuine, sincere, and authentic.
Kaitlyn had a distinctive one-of-a-kind generosity that no one will ever be able to duplicate. Kaitlyn was brave and strong right up until her last breath. Kaitlyn believed in Jesus Christ. Kaityln was an angel on Earth. Kaitlyn was devoted to her family. Having been blessed with a niece Kassidy (Syd), and then two nephews Declan and Collin.
Kaitlyn began a new life of being able to share her big heart and a very deep love with each of them. Kaitlyn shared her big heart and generosity with all her cousins (almost too many to count) and their children too. Kaitlyn remembered all of their names. Kaitlyn never forgot a birthday, a special event, a face, or anyone’s name.
Kaitlyn was the best daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and person ever. Kaitlyn was a special Olympian who earned hundreds of medals, gold, silver or bronze, it did not matter. Kaitlyn was able to compete with her lifelong friends and then celebrated their achievements together, skiing, bowling, softball, whatever sport, it was the gathering of friends after the competitions, that mattered most.
Kaitlyn dedicated her life to children. For 20 years Kaitlyn volunteered at the YMCA in Taunton in the childcare program. There, Kaitlyn made many lifelong friends, Ms. Renee, Ms. Lisa, and Ms. Brittany are only a few. During her high school years, she assisted in a childcare program for young mothers who were able to continue their education at Taunton High School. Kaitlyn would help to care for their infants, to this day some of those mothers still remember her for longer than 20 years until Covid hit. She not only loved all of the children, she also acquired some of the best friends of her life! We now call them family. Kaitlyn’s family would like to thank cousin Dr. James Hoye for his exceptional care, love, and his unique empathy. Thank you to the ICU staff at Morton Hospital for their expert care and compassion, to our friends and family who took us through this journey with grace and compassion, Thank you. Additionally, in no particular order, Karon Terry and Jessica Sprout, we could not have gotten through these past two weeks without you, we love you, we thank you. Kaitlyn taught us how to love. Kaitlyn showed us that the little things matter. A random hello, good morning, rainbow, or smiley face text, always make your day a better day. Kaitlyn was a gift from God.
Survivors besides her parents are her brother: Michael Griffin and his wife Nitaya; a niece: Kassidy; two nephews: Declan and Collin.
Services were held for Kaitlyn in Taunton, Mass on March 18, 19.
