Grace Gwendolyn Griffin and Michael David Citroen

When Grace Gwendolyn Griffin was born on September 16, 1927, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, her father, Arthur Bird Griffin (1888-1972) was 38, and her mother, Lily (née Moore) (1891-1985), was 35.

Grace was the third daughter born to the family and her father very much wanted a son. As a result, Grace’s nickname was “Sonny” (and she was known to her nieces and nephews as “Auntie Sonny”). Grace had a girly side, but was also very much the tomboy growing up.

This paper dress was made by Grace’s Aunt Lottie for Halloween.
In the garden with sister Gladys (left))
In the snow with Gladys (left).

As she grew up, Grace rebelled against her tomboy image and left home to become a model.

Grace in NYC

Her career took her to New York and later to London, where she met her future husband, Michael David Citroen. Michael was a jeweller.

This photo of Grace with her niece and nephew was taken on a visit to Canada from New York City likely just before she went to England

Grace married Michael on December 29, 1952, in Westminster, Middlesex, England. The couple settled in England and had two daughters.

Grace and Michael
Grace and Michael
Grace and Michael
Grace and Michael

When Michael David Citroen was born on November 4, 1925, in Brentford, Middlesex, England, his father, Albert (Bertie) Citroen (1902-1958), was 23 and his mother, Julia Jacobs (1900-1980), was 24. Michael had one brother.

Grace and Michael filed for divorce in September 1980. Grace and her daughters settled in Palm Springs, California where Grace opened a women’s clothing store.

Grace

Michael died in England in 1987.

Grace died on July 30, 2017, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 89.

Are you related to this family? Do you have photos or stories you’d be willing to share? Please contact me using the comment form below or find me on Facebook! Want to know where this family fits in my tree? Check out the Index!

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ABOUT AUTHOR
AG Knapper

I’ve been researching my tree for over twenty years…and I’ve found some easy branches, and some gnarly ones…

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