Etta Mae Graham

Etta Mae Graham, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 28, 2024. She was a resident of Wynscape, Wheaton, IL. Born on October 28, 1931, in Madison, WI. She lived with her parents, Robert and Lucille (Godden) Gerry, with her two sisters and three brothers. Etta attended Emerson Elementary School and Madison East High School, where she met the love of her life, Roy Graham. They were high school sweethearts destined to be partners for life. Besides babysitting and enjoying time with her many friends she loved watching Roy play various sports throughout high school. She also worked as a telephone operator for several years during and after high school. Etta and Roy graduated together from East High School in 1949. They were married July 19, 1952, in Madison. They moved to Huntsville, AL where Roy served in the U. S. Army. Upon his discharge they moved back to Madison where their first son, Glen, was born. Shortly after that they moved to Grand Rapids, MI where they lived for three years. During that time their second son, Gary was born. After a successful stay in MI, Roy was transferred, leading them to the Chicago area where their family continued to grow with the addition of their daughter, Nancy.
Etta and Roy established many friends during their 40 years living in Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton, IL. They were very active in the community and all their children's activities. We were truly blessed as they encouraged and supported all our activities growing up. Etta made sure we made it to every practice and game on time regardless of the activity or time of year. It became very tricky during junior high and high school, but she made it work. Juggling logistical issues with three children going in different directions all at the same time for sports and cheerleading. She never missed a step making sure we always made it as required. That was important to her.
Etta was a member of Glen Ellyn Junior Women for many years. She was a key participant in the formation of the Ladies Swinging Set Golf League shortly after the Village Links opened in 1967. That is where she started playing golf. Something that she enjoyed well into her late 80's.
When Glenbard South High School opened she became very involved in the Booster organization. Something she continued after all three children had graduated. She started and managed their major fund raiser, The Flea Market, which was a large success.
Etta continued her love for golf when they joined Glen Oak Country Club in 1973. This experience truly strengthened her love of golf as she met many new friends that she cherished for a lifetime. She was President of the Ladies Golf League on two separate occasions. Etta also enjoyed many years of playing cards with the ladies at Glen Oak. As her golf career was winding down her connection with her "card ladies" meant more to her than anything.
In 1998 they moved to Naples, FL, moving to Wyndemere Country Club, where golf and friendships opened another new chapter in her life. She was President of the lady's golf association and served on the golf committee for Wyndemere Country Club. She remained highly active there enjoying all aspects of southern Florida life. Including a hole-in-one while playing with Roy.
Etta enjoyed summer vacations in Wisconsin at her parent's cottage on Lake Wisconsin. She loved seeing her children enjoy themselves, skiing and fishing with their cousins and friends. She would light up every time she was there.
Another passion she enjoyed with her husband was football games at Camp Randall on the campus of the University of Wisconsin. Joining friends and family tailgating before the games was part of her regular routine.
Etta is survived by sons Glen (Wanda) of Franklin, TN, and Gary (Susan) of Chicago, IL and son-in-law Mark Kiel of Green Bay, WI. Cherished grandmother to Bradley (Justine) Graham of Plymouth, MN, Kevin (Sarah) Graham of Glen Ellyn, IL, Patricia (Ryan) Van Baren of Oak Park, IL, and John DeVaughan of Spring Hill, TN. Devoted great grandmother to Mina and Clark Graham, Silas, Annalise, Laurelin and James Graham, Joy and Rose Van Baren, and Jackson and Addison DeVaughan. Further survived by sister-in-law Evelyn Gerry and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Roy Graham and daughter, Nancy Kiel, along with her parents, siblings and great grandson Philip Van Baren.
Celebration of Life plans are pending.