Frances H. Graham of Remsenburg Dies December 19

Frances H. Graham of Remsenburg and most recently Eastport died on December 19. She was 89.

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, she and her younger sister, Marjorie “Margy” attended the local elementary school and after graduating High School, Frances took the government clerical/typist exam and was hired by the Army Headquarters for its Steno Pool. Fran continued writing the exams and taking interviews and the last one took was for a secretarial position to the Chief of Staff Operations in the Halifax Dockyard.

Frances married Douglas R. Graham Jr. when she was 34 years old. Fran met Doug at an Admiral reception and Fran remembered Doug as good looking, cheerful, had dimples, and a sparkle in his eyes. Doug went overseas for his employment, and the wrote and telephoned one another. At Christmas 1968, Doug came to Halifax and proposed to Fran. From there Fran and Doug moved to Mastic Beach, NY.

In 1978 they were thrilled to adopt a beautiful baby girl, 3 months old, who they named Madeline. Five years later they adopted another baby girl, this time four days old, and named her Emily.

In 1984 Fran and Doug built a home in Remsenburg. The house was located on a canal which ran out to Moriches Bay and Doug could dock his boat, the “The Finnie”, Doug’s nickname for Fran. They joined the Westhampton Yacht Squadron and took an active part in the activities sponsored by the Club. Frances assisted with the conduct of sailing races and became a certified Race Officer. Fran served as “First Lady” when Doug was Commodore and they continued to be integral members for nearly 40 years.

Frances was also an active member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Westhampton Beach, NY. She oversaw the Sunday School when her daughters were younger, was a member of the church choir for many years, she actively participated in bible study and volunteered for many annual events.

For 12 years Fran wrote a column for the Southampton Press which had the title “Remsenburg and Speonk”. The column was comprised of news items about the children in school and sports and local events or areas of interest to those living in the hamlets of Remsenburg and Speonk.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Douglas R. Graham Jr.

She is survived by her children Madeline (William Glover) and Emily (Christopher Towle), her grandchildren Nicholas “Nico” and Dylan, nieces, nephews, and many close family friends.

Visitation will be held at Werner & Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach, NY on Thursday, December 21 from 2-4pm 7-9pm. A funeral service will be held at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church on Friday, December 22 at 11am.