Jean Joan Graham (nee: Connolly), passed away peacefully on Friday January 24, 2003 at the Vulcan Community Centre at the age of 72 years.
Jean was born July 6, 1930 in Chester, Washington to Howard and Pearl Connor. She moved with her family to Vauxhall, Alberta and received all of her schooling at Kinlock School in Vauxhall. Following her education she met and married Alfred Connolly on December 14, 1947 in Vauxhall. For a few years they resided in the Vauxhall and Enchant area, moving to Vulcan the fall of 1954. Alfred was killed in an automobile accident on May 3, 1960 and Jean stayed at home raising her children until Larry was in school. In 1965 she began working at Blunt’s Nursing Home as a Care Aide for the next ten years. In 1975 she changed occupations and started working at the Vulcan General Hospital as Housekeeper, eventually becoming head of the department. On January 20, 1977 she married Elmer Jones in Lethbridge, and continued to work at the hospital until retiring in 1979. Elmer and Jean enjoyed camping and their favorite spot was Beaver Mines, near Pincher Creek where they enjoyed many summers of camping, fishing and family get-togethers. On December 11, 1990 Elmer passed away and Jean continued to reside in Vulcan. In 1993 Jean met Lyall Graham and they were married on his family farm on February 11, 1994. They shared many wonderful times together and enjoyed traveling. They made many frequent trips to visit Jean’s children and grandchildren and they loved to camp in their fifth wheel. Jean and Lyall also toured extensively to Hawaii, Ontario, Mexico and throughout the United States and Canada.
Jean’s true passion in life were her children and grandchildren. Her life long career was being a care giver to everyone associated with her. Jean’s involvement with all of her children, grandchildren, family and friends, is evident in their respect for her.
Jean was an active member of the Candlelight Circle for many years, even serving a term as president. She also enjoyed bowling, playing Yahtzee for hours and especially enjoyed her frequent trips to Lethbridge with Alice Murray.
Beloved wife of Lyall Graham of Vulcan, loving mother of two daughters Janet (Craig) Nickason of Kingston, Ontario, Susan Gilbert (Doug Atkinson), of Red Deer, four sons Jim (Jean) Connolly of Georgetown, Ontario, Jack Connolly of Red Deer, Bob (Gale) Connolly of Vulcan, Larry Connolly of Calgary, three step-daughters Gloria Hrycyk of Nobleford, Ruth (John) Stukart of Hays, Dorain (Doug) Schmidt of Coalhurst, two step-sons Bob (Donna) Jones of Lethbridge, Ken (Elaine) Jones of Olds, daughter-in-law Brenda Crawford, son-in-law Daryl Gilbert both of Red Deer, fifteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and extended family of step-grandchildren and great grandchildren, two sisters Helen Connor and Virginia Dell both of Vauxhall, a sister-in-law Catherine Thiessen-Connor of Lethbridge, two brothers-in-law Del (Isobel) Graham and Weldon Graham all of Vulcan, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends.
Jean was predeceased by her first husband Alfred Connolly, second husband Elmer Jones, son Dennis Connolly, two sisters Ester Connor, Claire King, two brother Robert and John Connor, a step-son-in-law Orie Hrycyk and her parents Howard and Pearl.
Funeral Service Wednesday January 29, 2003 at 1:30 P.M. at the Church of Christ Vulcan with Rev. Doug Barrie officiating.
Honorary Bearers Helen Connor, Virginia Dell, Betty Smith, Alice Murray, Isobel Graham and Iona Rutberg.
Casket Bearers Howard Dell, Terry Dell, Frank Cutler, Harold McIlwain, Daryl Gilbert and Bob Jones.
Interment Vulcan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers tributes in Jean’s memory could be made to either the Palliative Care Unit of the Vulcan Community Health Centre Box 299 Vulcan T0L 2B0 or S.T.A.R.S 1441 Aviation Park N.E. Box 570 Calgary T2E 8M7.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.