Elsa H. Griffith

Elsa Hermlyn Griffith, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026. She was born on September 28, 1941, in Curepe, Trinidad, West Indies, to Gwendoline Hernandez and Theophileus Griffith.

Elsa began her career in Trinidad at the West Indian Tobacco Company, where she worked until 1974. Seeking new opportunities and adventures, she immigrated to the United States to build a new life. She worked for Ducksters, a manufacturer of sports team jackets, and later joined Yale New Haven Hospital as a maintenance worker. Never one to stop learning, Elsa also earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), an accomplishment of which she was especially proud.

Elsa had a passion for travel. She cherished returning to her native Trinidad, especially during Carnival, and also enjoyed visiting Rome, England, and France. She created many treasured memories on cruises with family and friends, including trips to Hawaii. Elsa was an avid quilter, enjoyed playing the steel pan, her native instrument, and was an active member of the Caribbean organizations TACA and TAAOSC, where she proudly served as a director. She was also a devoted, longtime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in the New Haven area.

Elsa was known for her spirited personality and strong will. Though she could be a bit of a spitfire, she was deeply caring and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her generosity, determination, and love for family and friends will be remembered by all who knew her.

Elsa is survived by the love of her life, her son, Garnet Wells; her sisters, Anne Griffith and Brenda Griffith; her brothers, Ellington Griffith, Vernon Griffith, and Franklin Weeks; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Gwendoline Hernandez and Theophileus Griffith; her sisters, Linda Llanos and Angela O’Garra; and her brothers, Neville Hernandez and Bertram Weeks.

Elsa’s warmth, strength, generosity, and love of family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Family and friends are invited to visit with her family on Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518. A funeral service, officiated by Father Moses, will begin at 11:00 a.m. A repast will follow at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511. For more information or to send condolences, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.

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