Wanda Jean Graham

Wanda Jean Graham, 92, died peacefully on April 17, 2019 surrounded by loving family. She was born February 18, 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Donald and Francis Crandall. A few short years later, the Crandall family moved back to their hometown of Petoskey, Michigan.

Wanda graduated from Petoskey High School in the spring of 1944. She married Dale Graham on March 12, 1946 and together they had three children. Both Wanda and Dale had long careers in Petoskey. Wanda often talked about working at the Dime Store and Reusch Jewelers as a teenager, and later worked for Kroger’s for 27 years. Shortly after Dale’s retirement, they moved to Mission, Texas so Wanda could enjoy the sunshine. During her time in Texas she became a substitute teacher until the age of 80 when she moved back to Petoskey, after her Husband’s death.

Wanda had a deep passion for her family and touched many lives with her generosity and love. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking for family and friends. Wanda was an active member in the community as a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was very loyal to her family and lifelong friends whom she referred to as the Wednesday Club. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Dale Graham; parents, Donald and Francis Crandall; brothers, Bob and Jim Crandall; sister, Virginia Allerding; nephew, Bobby Crandall; and Son-in-law, Charles Converse.

She is survived by her Sister, Donna Watkins; three children, Brooke (Graham) Converse, Duane and Judy (Vartanian) Graham, and Jim and Nan (Niswander) Graham; grand-children, Branden and Teresa Converse, Cory Converse, Braden and Alison Graham, Brianne Graham, Courtney Graham, Lauren Graham, and Trevor Graham; and great-grand-children, Zaria, Azalea, Charlie, Hunter, Emily, Ben, George, Mallory, Lilah, Mia and Morgan.

No services will be held at this time. Condolences may be sent to her children, Brooke Converse, Duane Graham, and Jim Graham. Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com.

Wanda’s family would like to    extend a special thanks to the staff at the Villa by the Bay for their loving support and kindness.