Mary E. Graham's Obituary
MARY E (SCHONEBOOM) GRAHAM 10/10/29 - 12/07/09
To know her was to love her. Our beloved wife and mother, Mary Graham, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2009, at her caregivers' home in Tacoma. She was born on October 10, 1929, in Oklahoma City to Arthur and Beatrice (Hughes)ESchoneboom. The family moved to Tacoma during World War II, where Mary attended Lincoln High School, then briefly relocated back to Oklahoma in 1947, where she graduated from Central High that year. Upon returning to Washington, Mary met and married the love of her life, John Graham, on St. Patrick's Day in 1948. Together they raised six children, Johnny Graham (Fredda), Debby Webber (Ken), Peggy Rundberg (Ron), Mike Graham (Malia), Jill Anderson (Paul), and Melissa Iversen (Matt). Melissa was born on their 25th wedding anniversary, which was a joy for the entire family. John and Mary celebrated their 61st anniversary this year. Her grandchildren, Todd, Amy (Rob), Brooke, Chrissy (Milo), Meagan, Parker, Emily, and Joshua, along with her 9 great grandchildren, Chloe, Bailey, Bobby, William, Abby, Kira, Hannah, Trenton, and Livvy, all loved her and they knew she loved them dearly too. Mary is also survived by her husband (who continues to reside in the family home of over 52 years); sister, Maxine; her brother -in-law and wife, Glenn and Doris Graham; sister-in-law, Betty Aronson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Delores Baker; and brothers-in-law, Bobby Baker, Joe Tucker, and Ben Aronson; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Larson. Mary loved life and people which was readily displayed in her infectious upbeat, sweet, and positive personality. But most of all, she was dedicated throughout her life to her husband, children, and church family. She was a member of Summit United Methodist Church since 1962, where she faithfully served as the "coffee and cookies hostess" every Sunday for over 20 years, while also visiting various nursing homes routinely. Her involvement in her children's activities spanned many decades with her attending PTA; being a Blue Bird leader; attending Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H activities, in addition to little league baseball games; taking kids to gymnastic and dance lessons, etc. Mary started working in a bakery during the War at 14 years of age and periodically worked at several other bakeries while her children were growing up. She was a wonderful seamstress and cake decorator, liked camping with family, loved going to the Puyallup Fair several times a year, enjoyed her friends in various TOPS groups throughout the years, and loved to shop and hit good sales. The family also took many road trips to various places but she particularly enjoyed vacations to Disneyland. Our family would like to thank King's Manor Assisted Living Community and the Elliott family of Bethel House for the care and love she received from them these past few years. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
A private graveside service will be held and a memorial service is planned for after the holidays on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., at Summit United Methodist Church, 5316 104th St. (104th &ECanyon Road), Tacoma. In lieu of gifts, memorials may be made to the church.
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