Born March 2, 1917, in a Florence Crittenton home for unwed mothers in Sioux City, Iowa, she was adopted by George and Iva Griggs.

Throughout Glenn's career, she was his traveling companion and provided behind-the-scenes administrative help that enabled Seaborg to pursue many side projects, including extensive publishing efforts.

When her husband served as chairman of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission from 1961 to 1971, she fulfilled a number of diplomatic and protocol roles.

She also founded and served as a board member of INCAP, an organization that assisted in social assimilation of black and white elementary school students during the period of voluntary bussing to achieve integration.

She and Glenn had seven children: the late Peter; Paulette, who died in infancy; Lynne, David; Stephen; Eric; and Dianne.