Alzita Graham

1933 - 2026

Alzita Graham (née Leal), lovingly known by many names and remembered by even more stories, passed away surrounded by the love she built over a lifetime. She was born on June 15, 1933, in Middletown, to Esperanza Victoria and Peter Leal, Sr.

Alzita was preceded in death by her sisters, Tittiti Leal and Phelomina Kjer; her brothers, Peter Leal and Anthony Leal; her beloved husband, Roger Graham; her daughter, Laura Graham; and her grandsons, Mathew Amato, Jesse Graham, and Peter Graham.

To say Alzita answered to many names would be an understatement. She was Zita, Zits, Ziti, Helen, Charlie Brown, GiGi, Oreo Sister, Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma. No matter what you called her, she answered the same way, with an easy laugh and a mischievous grin that let you know she was in on the joke. Humor followed her everywhere, whether she meant it to or not.

Alzita loved a good game and was always ready to shuffle cards or set up the board. Cribbage, Uno, Phase 10, Mexican Train dominoes, and even Cards Against Humanity all found a place at her table. She loved crocheting, doing puzzles, and most of all, spending time with her family, just sitting together, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.

She is survived by her children and their families: Linda Graham Ceneviva and A. David Ceneviva of Meriden, with whom she shared her home; Bruce Graham and Kathleen Brown Graham of New Hampshire; and Edward Graham and Jeanne Gindel Graham of Meriden.

She leaves behind her grandchildren: Jason and Marlene Graham; Kristin and Jim Miron; Kelly and Jay Jones; Sam Amato and Eric Grodzicki; Cassandra Ceneviva; Daniel Ceneviva and Helena Percivalle Iovine; and Lauren Graham Gregg.

She was a proud great-grandmother to Madison Graham, Cameron Graham, Dylan Graham, Finn Archer, Dante Archer, Eric Graham, Casey Jones, and Mason Percivalle.

Alzita also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members across the country, and her cherished second family, her friends from the senior center.

She will be remembered for her bright sense of humor, infectious laugh, unapologetic burping, and the effortless way she made everyone feel welcome. Alzita filled every room with humor and love, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, family stories, and game nights that will never be the same without her.

A brief 30-minute service will be held on May 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the State Veterans Cemetery on Bow Lane in Middletown, Connecticut. Arrangements are under the care of Biega Funeral Home.

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