Obituary of Norma S. Graham

Norma Lee Schmieg Graham, 83, passed away Tuesday. She was born April 17, 1934 in Dayton, Ohio, raised in Syracuse, NY, had two sisters, Margie and Carol. After graduating from St. Anthony of Padua High School and Central City Business Institute, worked as secretary for her father, George J. Schmieg, president of Syracuse Office Equipment Corporation. Her mother was Margaret Quinn Schmieg. She married in 1956 to Burl Graham and raised five children who she loved and treasured, also their families. Kathleen (daughter), grandson Nicholas, great-granddaughter Alyecia; Juli (daughter), granddaughter, Gail, her husband Charles, grandson Christopher; Joseph (son),wife Susan, grandson Thomas; Thomas (son), wife Michele, grandsons, Scott, Jonathan, Marshall; Patrick (son), granddaughters, Elizabeth and Rebecca; niece, Sara Catherine Elizabeth; nephew John and six nieces and nephews originating in New Zealand who travel the globe. After Norma's children reached school age she volunteered in the elementary tutoring program, which led to a position of Library Secretary between McNamara and Palmer schools. When Ray School opened, she took a position of Teacher Assistant in the Media Center. During the years, she worked as secretary to Dr. Harold Herber at Reading Research Center, Syracuse University, proofreader at Spaulding Law Printing, before becoming dispatcher at the Baldwinsville Police Department, evening shift, and trained many part-time dispatchers. A Saturday job during these years, was in the Baldwinsville Public Library. Short term moving jobs included transcribing reports at ABC Company and working at newly opened Baldwinsville Glass Company. Retirement in 1996 allowed for a Caribbean Cruise with a cousin, trip to Ireland, a gift from Joe, Susan and Thomas, and many happy vacations with sister Carol in Quebec, Maine and a trip to the Kentucky Derby. She enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing, knitting, her pets and trips with special friends, Peggy Bye, Marilyn Noll and Florence Cellini. Calling hours are 4-7pm Friday, December 1, at the Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Saturday, December 2, at St. Augustine's Church, O'Brien Rd, Baldwinsville. Contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.