Evelyn Mary Graef

Evelyn Mary Graef 12 13 1921 ~ 12 05 2013 Evelyn passed on to Jesus, at home with her daughter Patricia, very early in the morning on December 5th 2013 after a long life, just eight days short of turning 92. Evelyn was born and raised in Rochester, New York, she met and married her husband Leonard Earl Graef, who predeceased Evelyn 8-1993. They had four daughters Patricia Graef of Whidbey Island, WA, Bonnie Lini whereabouts unknown, Gail Donnelly of Shoreline, WA, and Yvonne Ming husband Randall of Redmond, OR. Evelyn is also survived by four grandchildren, Anthony Lini of Houston, TX., Merrie-Grace Critchlow of Anacortes, WA., Paul Pawnee of Whidbey Island and Allison French husband Nick of Everett, WA. Additionally Evelyn has four Great Grandchildren Garrett, Bryce, Ryan and Lillian Critchlow all of Anacortes, WA. While a young mom, Evelyn mangaged to attend night classes at Rochester School of Business as well as modeling school at John Robert Powers where she excelled at both earning her certificates. Evelyn and Leonard moved to Seattle area in the late 1950's, she was a stay at home Mom, until everyone was grown and Mom joined the work force and retiring from Unigard Insurance, then taking a part time job as a bus person at Sunshine Kitchen Bakery and Restaurant in Bellevue, WA. Mom said she couldn't just stay home after working so many years, she needed something more to do. Evelyn enjoyed her new after retirement job meeting people and "getting out" as she would say. One of Mom's greatest pride was her many roses at their home in Bellevue, WA. During a drought one year, Mom would tote buckets of water home from the restaurant that customers didn't drink, instead of dumping it down the drain...she watered her beautiful pink roses and other flowers in her extended gardens with the buckets of water. Mom loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, she attended church and a seniors group known as The Torchbearers where she found her little niche' setting up the coffee and refreshments for their meeting. Mom always liked decorating, setting the scene for the occasions. Mom had many friends from her church, thus socializing often with shopping, taking short trips, or attending conferences, she definitely loved to stay busy and enjoyed all life had to offer. Evelyn was a happy person to be around...she had a way of making something bleak into a happier experience. Mom moved in with daughter, Patricia Graef, for the last five years of her life, living in Marysville, WA. Later they moved in the countryside on Whidbey Island where Mom loved her walks by the water near Penn Cove, sitting in her chair by the window and singing, laughing and chatting or watching something cute on TV with baby animals or old time Lucy programs. Evelyn, Mom you are missed very much, we have so many happy memories of you. You were a wonderful example of what it means to forgive and love... Thank you.