Kari Griffin

Kari Louise Griffin, 56, of Milford and formerly of Hopkinton, died peacefully on Aug. 7, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Vermont, Kari was the daughter of Hildreth “Jill” (Cameron) Devins and the late David Ronald “Ronnie” Harris, and the stepdaughter of the late Jim Devins. She was married to William “Nick” Griffin.

Kari’s world revolved around her three sons — Cameron, William and Chase Griffin. She also leaves behind sister Elisabeth “Lisa” Harris, brother-in-law John (“John John”), daughter-in-law Kayla, her sweet grandson Blake, and her cherished (Aunt) Judy Barwood. She also leaves many cousins, including Sarah, Justin and Jonathan, as well as several dear friends. She also was predeceased by her beloved (Aunt) Cindy Cameron in 2023.

Kari spent her career helping people find their voices, working as a speech therapist and in home health care, most recently at Preferred Transitions Home Health Care in Milford and the Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge. She earned her first degree from Endicott College, later studied and graduated from Emerson College, and completed her master’s degree in speech pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her work wasn’t just a job — it was how she made a difference.

Anyone who knew Kari knew about her cooking. She could turn the simplest ingredients into something memorable, and basil was her favorite ingredient. Her home always looked like it belonged in a magazine, and it was warm and welcoming, never stuffy. She read voraciously, had a joke ready for any occasion, could make anyone laugh and was incredibly kind.

Kari loved the beach and sunshine, a good cup of coffee and adventures. She was fiercely loyal, and her patients loved her — she was requested time and time again. Her smile was contagious, she had a soft spot for every animal she met, and it warms our hearts to know that she is now with her beloved basset hound, Violet. We will miss you, Kari, forever.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton from 2-4 p.m. A celebration of life will be held in her home state of Vermont and will be announced at a later date. Instead of flowers (although hydrangeas were her favorite), consider a donation to your local animal shelter or autism organization — causes Kari supported with her whole heart. Or tell a joke — she’d love that!

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.