Obituary of Gwendoline Elsie Graham
Wurtsboro, NY
Gwen E. Graham a long time resident of Wurtsboro NY passed away peacefully on Jan 27 2025 at the age of 99 years while in Myrtle Beach, Sc with her granddaughter after residing with her son in Virginia Beach, VA for several years. Born in Melbourne, Australia August 12 1925 to her loving parents William Bertie and Rose Emma (Hurt) Bennett. Her parents and beloved sister Gladys and brother Keith (all deceased). In 1944, She married, John R Graham in Melbourne, Australia while he was serving with US Army Transportation Corps Pacific Theater, WWII. When the War ended, she came to the US in 1946, became a Naturalized citizen and resided in the Village of Wurtsboro for 75 years. She served the community as a service representative of the local Food Center and then with the Wurtsboro Pharmacy for decades. A Life long member of the Order of the Eastern Star Masonic Lodge (Matron and Grand Representative to PA), Member of Wurtsboro Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Member of the local chapter of Red Hatters, and affiliated with American Legion and other community services in Wurtsboro. She had the grit of an Australian Sheila and maintained the trait of being a very strong woman both physically and mentally to her last day, still maintaining her Australian accent. Her knitting and needlepoint was legendary. She obtained her Solo aviation pilot license at Wurtsboro Airport. Gwen was liked by all that knew her.
She was predeceased by her husband John, son David, daughter in law Florita, and granddaughter Virginia.
She is survived by sons, Keith, Elizabethtown PA, Robert (Libby) Virginia Beach VA, Michael, Wurtsboro, NY; 7 Grandchildren Laurie, Scott, Wendy, Paula, Kevin, Ginger and Sabrina; 12 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren and 1 great great great grandchild. Very close friends, Betty of Vero Beach Fl, Joan and Denise of Bloomingburg, NY, Raul of Wurtsboro, NY, Darlene of Ephrata PA and Juliet of Elizabethtown PA. She will be missed by all those hearts she touched and inspired.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 11:00am at the Wurtsboro Hebrew Cemetery, Route 209 in Wurtsboro, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions in Gwen's name to a charity of your choosing.
Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
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