Jeannette Marie Graham

Our beloved Jeannette Marie Graham passed away on January 17, 2024, as the snow began falling. She was born on August 21, 1934, in Crookston, Minnesota, and was the first child of Walter and Melina Arel. Jeannette was a high achiever and was recognized for many accomplishments, including being the class Valedictorian.

Jeannette married Angel Luna in June of 1963 but tragically lost him in 1968 while he was serving his country during the Vietnam War. In 1971, she met William John Graham at a “Parents without Partners” social and knew she had met her soulmate. They were married six months later, on May 7th of that year. Their union brought together two families and remained unbreakable even in passing.

Jeannette accomplished many dreams. While working and raising a family, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education/Psychology. She put her knowledge, education, and life experiences to use serving the Ogden City School District, where she worked as a teacher, counselor, and principal and where she retired as the Student Services Coordinator. She was fluent in French and Spanish, using her Spanish to reach and connect with her students. She made a lasting impression on those she taught and worked with, many of whom still view her as a mentor and role model.

During her retirement years, Jeannette and William loved to travel. Their travels took them to all 50 states, and they had plans to go overseas, where they planned to visit Paris, France, and the City of Lights.

Jeannette was a devout Catholic and an active parish member. Our family fondly remembers attending church services where parishioners often commented on her beautiful voice. She sang with passion and joy, and you could hear her spirit resonating with every breath. In addition to her lovely voice, she played the organ at the masses, first at St. Joseph and then at Holy Family, where many parishioners shared how much they enjoyed hearing her play.

She was a loving mother to her six children, Laurel Luna, Charles Luna, Robert Luna, Debbie (Tom) Stephenson, Michael (Akemi) Luna, and William (Darcy) Luna. She enjoyed and loved her grandchildren, Jessica (Luke), Jackie (Shane), Chuck (Ashley), Chad, Shayne (Alana), Jeremy (Keira), Angie (Mario), Audbrie (Dan), Alex, Alia, Mia, Max, and Madeleine; as well as great and great-great-grandchildren.

Her siblings, whom she was the matriarch of and very engaged in staying in touch with, were Edith, Bill (Barbara), and Mayme (Tony). Her parents, Walter (Melina), Arthur (June), William John Jr, Robert, and Claire, will greet her in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Family Church of South Ogden or the American Cancer Society.

A special funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 East 5550 South. The Celebration of Life will be held later this year to allow family from out of town to attend.