Regina Maria "Gina" Griffin

On December 17, 2015, Regina Maria "Gina" Griffin, wife of the late Tom Griffin; sister of Mary Theresa Thompson, Dorothy Wolman and her husband Paul; aunt of Rob Krysztofiak and Annee Sterling.

Pet Nanny Gina was an icon in Eastern Baltimore County. She was a second parent to so many dogs, and a special friend to those who entrusted her with their loved ones. Along the way, she would adopt the homeless and rudderless; dogs and humans alike - it didn’t matter.

Gina Griffin, 62, passed away peacefully at home after a six month battle with cancer which she fought with the same gusto that defined her life. She was surrounded by her loving 4-legged children Angel, Lincoln, Lucy, Max, Sushi and their cousins Lily and Scarlett. Her family was there too.

Fiercely independent, Gina set out on her own at 18 to prove the world was no match for her. Wherever she worked, Gina formed intense, meaningful bonds that led her to what was next.

At Baltimore County’s CETA Program, Gina instantly became the hub as office manager, party instigator and backgammon club creator. She left to join her sister Dorothy and CETA co-worker Paul Wolman (who would later become her brother-in-law - she was a matchmaker too) to help run the Main Street Magic Emporium and manage the books for P.W. Feats.

13 years later, she moved on to follow her true passion - her intense love for animals. Pet Nanny Gina, The Business, was born. Gina’s wild truck could be seen all over Essex, Middle River, Bowley’s Quarters and White Marsh. She’d have as many as 13 dogs a day under her arms. They loved her as much as their owners did. The richness in relationships Gina created was so strong she never ran out of people to guide, assist, support or motivate.

Her husband and companion for over 15 years was Veteran and GM HR executive Tom Griffin who sadly passed away from ALS with Gina at his side.

No matter the obstacles, Gina never forgot what was important - bringing together neighbors, friends and family all summer long at the Griffin Country Club Pool, and bringing home others who needed a hot meal, a 2nd, a 3rd or a 4th chance.

Gina’s heart was huge. She loved to give to others, and she was one of the best receivers of gifts ever. She simply knew how to make others feel so special and loved. Her spirit will live on through so many.

Friends may call at the family owned Bruzdzinski Funeral Home P. A. at 1407 Old Eastern Avenue, Essex at route 702 (beltway exit 36) on Sunday December 20, 2015 from 3 to 6 pm. A private cremation will follow.

Donations may be made to Maryland SPCA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Web: www.mdspca.org/waystohelp/donate.html 3300 Falls Road Baltimore, MD 21211 or Baltimore BARCS Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc. Web: http://www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org/donate 301 Stockholm Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230