Bev

Beverly Jean Graham, known affectionately as Bev to her friends and family, passed away peacefully at her home in Englewood, Florida, on December 10, 2024. Born on August 12, 1932, in Endicott, New York, Bev's life was a tapestry of love, faith, and dedication to her family.

Bev's journey began in the small community of Smithboro, where she attended the Tioga Central High School. For several years, Bev honed her skills as a seamstress at the Mary Lou Dress Factory, a job that reflected her lifelong love for needlework. Bev's career path later led her to Tioga Central School, where she served in the school cafeteria and was on the custodial staff for 17 years, nurturing countless children with her warmth and care.

Her heart was always at home, where she devoted herself to her family with unwavering love and care. Bev's legacy of love is carried on through her daughters, Marsha Graham and Wendy Kreh; her adored grandchildren, Amanda Danforth and Theodore "Teddy" Kreh; and her great-grandchildren, Ally Anna Danforth, Isabella Valencia, and Theodore "Jr" Kreh. Her nieces, Yvenna (Malcolm) Berean, Anna Rene Hover, Lisa (Cheryl) Moon, Ann (Wayne) Benscoter, Bonita (Robert) Dombroski, and nephews Michael (Anna) Moon, Donald L. (Shari) Root, and Kerry (Kim) Root also remember her fondly. Bev was a beloved figure in Doug's family as well, with Larry (Angela) Graham, Verna Rogers, Bill (Connie) Graham, David (Barbara) Graham, Pat Brown, Barbara (Gary) Weyman, and Pat (Pauline) Love cherishing their time with her.

Bev was predeceased by her loving husband of 71 years, Douglas R. Graham; her parents Donald Leland and Anna (Buchi) Root. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Laura Myers, granddaughter Jessi Kreh, and grandson Daniel Valencia, whose memories she held close to her heart. Her brother and sister-in-law Donald S. and Gloria Root, her sister Anna Naomi Root (Moon), and Doug’s siblings: Kenneth (Anka) Graham, Phyllis (Tracy) VanVliet, Helen Roper, Dorothy Graham, James (Verna) Graham, Jack Graham, Francis “Bucky” Moon; nephews-in-law: James Hover, Brad Moon and Andrew Moon; a Niece Vickie (Gary) Tucker.

Bev's life was a reflection of her interests and her love for her family. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, needlepoint, and embroidery, with each stitch a testament to her patience and artistry. She took great joy in cooking, delighting in preparing meals that brought her family together. Bev's home was a haven of warmth and love, a place where she fulfilled her role as a homemaker with grace and dedication.

Her spiritual life was important to her as well. She was a former member of St. Patrick Church in Owego and found a spiritual home at St. Raphael in Englewood, Florida. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

We will gather in the spring to celebrate and remember Bev’s life. Bev and Doug will be laid to rest in the St. Patrick Cemetery, Owego. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com. Those who knew Bev would describe her as loving, friendly, and kind—qualities that she embodied every day. Her presence was a gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, leaving a legacy of love and kindness that will be remembered by all.

Bev's life was a beautiful patchwork of love and family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a guiding light and a source of comfort and love. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with the same generosity of spirit that she shared so freely.