Mabel Graves

Mabel H. Graves

PAOLI, PA. - Mabel H. Graves, age 99, former resident of Springfield, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Highgate Assisted Living Facility in Paoli, PA. Mrs. Graves was born on March 25, 1911, in Scott Co., Illinois, daughter of Grace and Albert Hamilton. Mrs. Graves was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Graves, and by her sister, Helen Herren.

Mrs. Graves attended public schools in Winchester and Jacksonville, Illinois, and later met and married Herbert A. Goveia in April, 1934. After nine years of marriage, the couple had a daughter, Peggy Jo. Mr. Goveia served in the U.S. Army and was killed in action in France, three months after D-Day. Mabel pursued additional training and secured employment with State of Illinois, Department of Finance.

Mabel enjoyed her work with the Department and helped to enlist fellow employees in the newly organized Illinois State Employees' Association.

Joining friends at a Chicago Cubs' game, Mabel met and later, in 1951, married Bob Graves, who would be her life's companion until his passing in May, 2001. Mabel and Bob lived in Springfield, IL, active in Westminster Presbyterian Church choir, the Sangamo Club, and Masonic activities. Family and friends were at the center of Mabel's life, and this remained true until the end of her life.

Mabel and Bob retired to Clearwater, Florida, with Mabel accepting the presidency of the Homeowners' Association in Imperial Park where they lived. Mabel was active in Trinity Presbyterian Church and helped to secure chapel services at the Hampton where they later moved. She enjoyed bridge and other activities with friends.

After becoming seriously ill in 2004, Mrs. Graves moved from Clearwater to Highgate Assisted Living Facility in Paoli, PA, near her daughter's home. Active in painting, Bible Study, and other activities, Mrs. Graves greatly enjoyed her years at Highgate, spending more time with her daughter and son-in-law as well as her three grandchildren, Jebb and Matthew F. Chagan, and Heidi C. Bristol. Mrs. Graves is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Cole, Nathan, and Jack Bristol, and Matthew R. Chagan. She has six surviving nieces and nephews as well: Steve and Rick Goveia, Karen G. Regelman, Sandy Rupp, Dick Herren, and Bob Hays.

Mabel lived an active and productive life with wisdom, humor, and dignity, and she is greatly missed by her family and friends. Funeral and interment was in Clearwater, Fla., her former home.

Memorial contributions in honor of Mabel Graves can be sent to: Crossroads Hospice, 300 Lakeside Dr., Suite 120, Horsham, PA. 19044.