Flora H. Graton

Graton, Flora H. CHARLTON, N.Y. Flora H. Graton, 83, of Charlton, and Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2008 after a short illness at Ellis Hospital. Flora, known by many as "Pete," leaves behind her beloved husband Byron. In the spring of 1947, Pete and Bye eloped and remained happily married for over 61 years. Flora was born in Albany, N.Y., the youngest of eight children to Howard and Florence Payne. Flora worked for New York State Division of Parole until her retirement. After retirement, she and Byron wintered in Port Charlotte. Flora loved to travel, spend time with her family and, in her later years, enjoyed her title of "The Blueberry Queen," harvesting blueberries, which she and Byron grew on their property in N.Y. Flora is survived by her best friend, Byron; their four loving children, Susan Green (the late Eric) of Elbridge, N.Y., Karen Whittier (the late William) of Glenville, N.Y., Wayne (Heidi) Graton of Wake Forest, N.C. and Claudia (David) Crandall of Glenville. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Andy Whittier, Heather (Joel) Luzcak, Peter Green, Seth (Jenna) Green, Sarah Graton, Jason Graton, Beth Germain, and Nate Germain, along with one great-grandchild, Jolene Luzcak. Aunt Pete will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews, along with close friends in N.Y. and Fla. Flora's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Ballston Lake Emergency Squad and the staff at Ellis Hospital's ICU for their compassion during Flora's final days. A service of remembrance will be held Saturday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., East Glenville. Relatives and friends may call on the family Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30. Memorial donations may be made in Flora's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 or to the Ballston Lake Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 1005, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.