Obituary of Mary Jane Graf

Mary Jane Graf

Mary Jane Graf, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2018 at St. Mary’s Asbury Ridge after an extended long battle with Alzheimer’s.  She was born in Erie on January 26, 1932 to the late Grace and William Robert Kelley.

Mary earned her B.S. in elementary education from Penn State and her M.S. in education from Case Western Reserve.  She possessed a life-long love of learning which she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Mary radiated positive energy and made sure to let those around her know how much she loved and valued them.  Nothing delighted her more than spending time with her grandchildren and she greeted the birth of her tenth grandchild with as much joy and enthusiasm as her first.  Mary was the definition of a good sport, always appreciative, and always ready with a smile and word of encouragement to those around her.

Mary had a love of nature and the outdoors.  She and her husband, Carl, spent many years traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada in their motorhome.  They were adventurous in their later years, traveling the world.  They enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, and Mary always valued people and relationships over “things.”

Mary enjoyed quilting, sewing, bird watching, playing the piano, reading, watching Jeopardy, and doing crossword puzzles.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Carl and her sister Sarah (Sally) Carey.

Mary is survived by her three children, Robert Graf (Mia) of Cleveland, OH, Melissa Pastore (Dan) of Fairview, and John Graf (Chris) of Ballston Lake, NY, her sister Kathy Wayman (Dave) of Erie and her 10 grandchildren.

Mary’s family would like to express sincere gratitude to St. Mary’s which was her home for many years as she progressed through different levels of care.  They would also like to thank Great Lakes Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and support they offered to both Mary and her family during her final days.

In keeping with Mary’s wishes, the funeral under the direction of the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. will be private.  Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Home of Erie or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.