Frances Ann Graham

GRAHAM, Frances Ann 91, passed away on June 26, 2008, in Lexington, KY after a long and happy life. Born on January 6, 1917 in Columbus, OH. Mrs. Graham was the daughter of the late Tony and Marie Limotta who immigrated from Italy to America. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Philip; 3 brothers, Marion, Michael and America Limotta; and a sister, Jane Limotta. Her sister, Carmelita Stewart, lives in Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Graham is survived by her 4 children and their spouses, Linda Stan Harvey of Lexington, KY; Philip Stephanie Graham Jr. and Curtis Helen Graham of St. Petersburg; and Susan Graham of Oak Harbor, WA. She is beloved by 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 13 nieces; and nephews in the U.S. and Canada. As a young woman Mrs. Graham was a celebrated hair stylist and owner of France's Beauty Salon in Columbus, OH. In 1939 she was named the "Best Hairdresser in Ohio". That same night she accepted a proposal of marriage from Philip H. Graham, a handsome young man who would become a nationally recognized, award-winning Master Photographer. Mrs. Graham worked by his side at Phil Graham Photography where they photographed 5 generations of St. Petersburg families. They were married for 54 years at the time of his death in 1993. Mrs. Graham was a talented cook whose dinner invitations were highly prized. She and her late husband loved to entertain and were gracious hosts. They never met a stranger and no one ever felt less than a member of the family in their home. She was President of the St. Petersburg Women of Rotary, a champion bowler, a member of the St. Petersburg Bridge Club and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Mrs. Graham was a devout Catholic whose unwavering faith was an inspiration to all. She and her husband were among the founders of St. Jude's Cathedral and were later active at St. Raphael's Parish. In 2000, Mrs. Graham moved to Lexington, KY, where she was active with the Lexington Newcomers Club, the Cathedral of Christ the King, and was a popular Bridge partner with her large circle of friends. Mrs. Graham was always the first to laugh at life's circumstances. Her tales of growing up in a large Italian family were extraordinary and included being run over by a car and being hit by a bullet which lodged next to her heart. As an adult she survived heart attacks, cancer, 2 hip surgeries, shingles, and rheumatoid arthritis. yet never lost her sense of humor nor slowed her pace. Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, we will treasure being part of your life forever. You leave us a huge legacy of love, faith and cherished memories. May God and His Angels welcome you Home. A Memorial Service will be held at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 2 from 5- 8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm. Anderson McQueen Funeral Home 727-822-2059