Genevieve Mary Graham

Genevieve Mary Graham obituary, Scotch Plains, NJ

Genevieve Mary Graham

Genevieve Graham Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 10, 2023.
Mrs. Genevieve M. Graham (Bender) passed away June 29, 2023 at the age of 99. Genevieve was born in Elizabeth, NJ in 1924, daughter of Albert & Eva Bender. She was a graduate of Bender Memorial Academy and Westfield High School. She was employed by Prudential Insurance Company of Newark NJ for 10yrs. Genevieve met her husband Bill and married in 1947. After raising her family, she returned to work and was employed by the Board of Education for Union County Vocational-Technical School in Scotch Plains for 20yrs.

In her retirement, Genevieve enjoyed reading hundreds of books, painting oil portraits and landscapes as well as writing poetry. She was honored to have one of her poems published in "Great Poems of the Western World". She also enjoyed volunteering at the Scotch Plains Library, surrounded by her beloved books, for many years.

Of all her many interests and hobbies, Genevieve cherished time with her family the most. She could always be found raising her glass of Scotch or wine, with that twinkle in her eye, at the many family gatherings. Genevieve loved her homes especially her childhood home in Elizabeth for which she wrote a book titled "The House that Loved Me". She also loved her home in Scotch Plains that held so many memories of her beloved husband and where she lived happily for almost 60yrs. She also enjoyed the beautiful sunsets from that home.

Genevieve awoke every morning with gratitude, contentment and a smile on her face and never neglected to say "thank you". She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin and loyal friend. She was the beautiful centerpiece of our family and could never quite believe that she made it to the age of 99. What an inspiration!

One of 10 children, Genevieve was pre deceased by her 3 sisters, 6 brothers and her loving husband of 45yrs, William A. Graham Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter Joan C. Balcerski (husband Frank), son William A. Graham III (wife Stephanie), son Geoffrey L. Graham, daughter Jennifer M. Graham (partner Mike) as well as her 3 grandchildren, Scott, Andrew and James plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held July 29, 2023 for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Salvation Army or Hospice

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July 28, 2023

Dolores Joblon posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2023

BethAnn Mazzitelli planted trees.

July 26, 2023

Nina Manzo (Joblon) posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Dolores Joblon

July 28, 2023

I met Genevieve many years ago when she was my neighbor and the mother of my daughter Nina's dear friend Jenny and also the Mom of my stepson Chris's good friend Jeff. I got to know the Grahams very well with all 4 kids in and out of both houses on a daily basis. Genevieve was a delight to know
She was kind and gentle and always concerned that things were going well. I never worried about Nina when she was in Genevieve's care. I knew she was well looked after. What a good life Genevieve has had with a loving family and much to keep her engaged. She was a huge part of the 10 years we spent in Scotch Plains and added so much to those days. I remember her with love!

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BethAnn Mazzitelli

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Nina Manzo (Joblon)

July 26, 2023

Mrs. Graham also welcomed me into her extended family and I was so lucky to spend a lot of time at her home when I was a child with my dear friend Jenny. Mrs. Graham had a lovely sparkle and a great sense of humor. She was so kind and gracious. I feel so fortunate to have so many fond memories of her and her home. Even though I've been so far away for so long since I moved to the west coast, I still feel close to Mrs. Graham and will always remember her warmly. I just want to thank her for being such a positive part of our happy childhoods.
Sending deepest sympathy to the whole Graham Family, from the Joblon family, across the miles and across the years.

Barbara Polito (McManus)

July 13, 2023

I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family. I met Mrs. Graham and family 51 yrs ago when I became forever friends with Jenny. The whole family became a 2nd family for me. Mrs. G was so good to me and I will always remember her kindness and generosity. I´ll also always remember her homemade applesauce, the cowbell at dinner time, Ovaltine (I still drink daily), her attendance at our horse back riding shows, always being invited to the swim club before our family joined. She also taught me that the raindrops going down the hill were really little soldiers marching. I still remember that when it rains. Many happy memories. She was an amazing woman and will be missed. Earths loss is heavens gain

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Sign Genevieve Graham's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 28, 2023

Dolores Joblon posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2023

BethAnn Mazzitelli planted trees.

July 26, 2023

Nina Manzo (Joblon) posted to the memorial.