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Jacqueline Graf Obituary
Peabody, MA - Mrs. Jacqueline Elise (Gagnon) Graf, passed away Thursday, June 1st, 2023, two weeks before what would have been her 77th birthday. Jackie, also affectionately known in the family as Dee Dee, was born in Salem, Mass., and was the beloved daughter of the late Roland F. Sr., and Jacqueline C. (Rawson) Gagnon. She is survived by her husband Austin P. Graf, Jr. with whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Jackie was raised and educated in Peabody, Mass., and graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School. She then attended Salem State University, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor's degree in education, focusing on early childhood education. She taught one year of second grade at St. Margaret's School in Beverly Farms, Mass. In 1970 she and Austin moved to South Deerfield, Mass., where Jackie was a high regarded, much loved and sought-after second grade teacher. She retired in 2004 after a 34-year career.
In her younger years Jackie enjoyed bowling, tennis, skiing, and golf. A member of the Oak Ridge Golf Club in Gill, Mass., Jackie was the female club champion for five consecutive years. She enjoyed camping and boating, and motor-home trips to Lake George and Florida. She also displayed considerable artistic talent in oil painting and stained glass, and much of her work today graces the homes of friends and family.
Having a caring nature and love of family, Jackie served for many years as a caregiver to her mother and, later, for her father. Jackie regretted having to leave many wonderful friends behind when she and Austin eventually chose to return to Peabody to be closer to their families.
In addition to her husband, Jackie is survived by her siblings; Roger A. Gagnon of Groveland, MA, Roland F. Gagnon, Jr. and his wife Sheron J. of Summerfield, Fl., Carol A. Karalow and her husband Wayne of Danvers, and Kathleen E. Roach and her husband Jim of Leola, AR.
ARRANGEMENTS – Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral mass which will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 17 Chestnut St, Peabody on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 10 A.M., please meet directly at church. Burial will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery, 226 North Street, Salem. Visiting hours will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS, on Tuesday, June 6th from 4 – 6 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jackie's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jacqueline Graf
Julie
July 30, 2023
I share the news, learning it late, on a Deerfield facebook page.
I would sub for her pretty often and deliver things to the classrooms for a project in the `90s. I was always amazed at how the students would quietly wait in line to have their worked checked.
She had some of the most challenging kids (for a sub), but when I would drop something off they never stood out as a challenge. I was amazed at that. I couldn´t figure out how she did it!
One person posted that she really liked Mrs Graf. But she remembers well the one time that the class was told to clean their desk and she did a poor job. Mrs. Graf tipped the desk and the contents fell out.
A memorable, consequential, surprise result for the student. And who would ever want that to happen to them?
That´s how she did it! Most times in classrooms consequences are routine and ineffective. This was a clever change.
Doug Tierney, Deerfield Principal (retired)
June 7, 2023
Dear Austin,
It was my pleasure to work with Jackie in the Deerfield Elementary School from 1989 until her retirement in 2004. She was a devoted second grade teacher who focused on building mathematical and literacy skills in all her students. Jackie focused on what second grade students needed to know, understand and be able to do. Students were well prepared to experience success in the years to follow. Jackie was also a person of few words and focused on tasks and activities in the classroom. Jackie was a leader in promoting the use of computers effectively in classrooms and mentored many colleagues.
Jackie had a strong commitment for her parents and their failing health. I remember her talking about numerous trips back east to care for her parents. Ultimately you and Jackie decided it best to be closer to her parents and this led to her announcement to retire. I´ll never forget her announcement to retire at a faculty meeting in the school library. Jackie stood up and in her classic style she said, "That´s it. I quit." We we´re all taken by surprise and loud laughter lasted by several minutes consumed all of us as Jackie smiled. All of us gave her a rousing round of applause.
On behalf of her former colleagues we are sorry for your loss.
Christa (Gardner) Lakey
June 7, 2023
Dear Mr. Graf, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I loved you as a math teacher. You were one of the reasons I became a teacher myself. My deepest condolences.
Michael Jenkins
June 7, 2023
Mrs. Graf was my first teach when I moved from
Greenfield to South Deerfield in 1981. She took care of me always as I battled through A.L.L. Leukemia. Missing so much school, she always had me ready for what was next. Coming back to class with little to know hair, she petitioned for me to wear a hat if I wanted to cover my bald head during school without getting into trouble. She gave me extra chores like clapping erasers outside so I could get fresh air and think. She truly cared for me and will remember her always.
Kimberley Whitney-Young
June 5, 2023
I grew up in South Deerfield and while I didn´t have Mrs. Graf as my second grade teacher, she was my grandparent´s neighbor on Plain Rd. She was a wonderful person to me and my brother and to my grandparents. My condolences to her family.
Katrina (Day) Lyman
June 5, 2023
I actually had Mr Graf as a teacher at PVRS and if it wasn't for him I would not have passed algebra. It is quite apparent they both had great passion for teaching and all their students. I am so very sorry for your loss Mr. Graf you are in my heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Leslie (Aronstam) Wickline
June 3, 2023
I moved to So. Deerfield in Feb. 1973. Mrs. Graf was my second grade teacher. I was very shy and nervous and she welcomed me with open arms. I felt safe and loved in her classroom. My daughter was her first second generation student and I loved that my daughter was going to be taught by such an amazing teacher. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Graf´s husband and family.
Cheryl Smith
June 3, 2023
Thank you for being a wonderful teacher for our daughter, Betsy Smith. Cheryl snd Greg Smith
Christopher Gomez
June 3, 2023
I saw the last name and a bell went off.Mrs Graf was my favorite teacher at So.Deerfield Elementary school.She was my teacher for 2nd grade back in the 70's A funny memory of her was i had a best friend Brian and she would always mix us up.(always) To her family great woman,sorry for your loss.
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