Martha K. Graef's Obituary
Martha Katherine Graef, 65, of Puyallup, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2016. Born on July 29, 1950 in Sedalia, Missouri, Martha moved to Washington when she was a toddler. She was a chemical engineer, chemistry instructor, and mother of two grown children who will miss her dearly. Martha earned her BS in oceanography from the University of Washington before moving with her husband to Germany. After returning to the US, Martha obtained her Masters in chemical engineering and joined the Occidental Chemical Corporation. Later in life, Martha began teaching oceanography and chemistry at Bellevue Community College and Tacoma Community College, among other local institutes of higher education. Martha was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lakewood and shared her engineering expertise with the church through her position as Junior Warden. In her spare time, Martha enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and above all, conversing with friends. While a laugh was never far from her lips, Martha was a diligent worker who not only sought knowledge, but strived to share her knowledge with others.
Martha is survived by her sister, Alexandra Nishiki; her son, Alexander Nicholas “Nick” Graef and daughter, Katherine “Katy” Marie Graef.
Martha’s memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lakewood at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016, followed by an Inurnment graveside service at Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
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