Barbara Arlene Graw

Barbara Arlene Graw (Boidock) passed peacefully from this life on the evening of January 15, 2026, in her home in Vonore, TN, at the age of 79. Her husband, David Graw, her son, David Christopher Graw, and her daughter, Kristin Erin Graw, were by her side, while their spouses, Allison Graw and Sungjun Park, were with them in spirit and caring for their children – Nara, Jiwoo, and River – at home.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents John S. Boidock and Susan Boidock (MacDonald) and her brother James Boidock. She is survived by brothers John K., Robert and Peter and their spouses Brenda, Mary, and Rochelle Masinelli, her sister Susan and husband John Drozdowski, and her sister-in-law, Rose Boidock.

Barbara was born on December 27, 1946 (a near Christmas baby) and she was raised in Parsippany, New Jersey. She excelled at school graduating with honors from Parsippany High School and went on to get a bachelor’s degree in education from Bluefield College in West Virginia. Upon graduating from college, she returned to New Jersey and taught elementary education in Rockaway Valley Township where she received a prestigious teacher award for excellence.

In 1973, she married David F. Graw, and together they started a life’s journey that took them to many locations across the United States as the demands of her husband’s job required. Wherever she found herself living she managed to weave her desire to teach young children and she taught in the local school systems. Barbara was a gifted artist excelling in watercolor painting and was a natural in all crafts, sewing, and crocheting. She used these talents to work with children professionally as well as in raising her own children, both of whom are gifted individuals. In her retirement years, she pursued other interests particularly in women’s groups and became known as the “Mah-Jong Queen.”

Barbara was a giving and caring human being which may have been cultivated in her growing up years as she was a significant caregiver to her siblings in the Boidock family. She was an excellent cook and baker as any of her siblings would attest. Her favorite time of year and holiday was Christmas which allowed her to display her giving persona.

She had the uncanny ability to remember names and details about people’s lives, both among her numerous relatives and her wide circle of friends. She made sure that they received cards and gifts to celebrate important events in their lives. She was blessed with quick wit and a touch of sarcasm that tended to make everyone smile. She was a deep listener who genuinely wanted to know how everyone was doing and feeling. She was also an excellent problem solver who could make any difficult situation feel lighter. Those who were fortunate enough to know her were truly blessed.

It is with great sadness that her family greets this time, believing the world is less bright without her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate to the National Kidney Foundation. https://support.kidney.org/