Estelle Graham

After more than 95 years of life, Estelle Graham died peacefully on Aug. 13, 2022, at Central Du Page Hospital. After surviving surgeries as a child and a life-threatening condition as a teen, Estelle graduated from high school, attended college and worked for several businesses as a young woman.  While a volunteering as a “USO girl,” she met “Jimmy” Graham, who was then in the army. Not long thereafter, they married and eventually had two children, Christopher, and Suzanne. With their young family, “Stel” and Jimmy had lots of fun and great vacations, including every year to see grandma at the “farm.” Sadly though, Jimmy learned at a young age that he had a debilitating disease and then lost the ability to walk and to work, eventually becoming bedridden. Estelle lovingly cared for him until he died, all while having to deal with her own health challenges. She nevertheless always remained positive in life. She also encouraged her children to be themselves and follow their own paths. She loved talking with friends and family and her Jay’s potato chips and Dove ice cream bites.  She always had liverwurst for her son and daughter-in-law’s dog. She always remembered her adult kids’ birthdays – not with just a card or gift, but with a call at the exact time of birthday. Her family said, “We loved her cute expressions …  like when she’d say, ‘You’re driving like a cowboy,’ when you were driving a little too fast.” One of five daughters, she is survived by her children, her sisters, Angie and Virginia, and many nieces and nephews.  She will be missed, especially by her daughter Suzanne who, as her primary caregiver in recent years, gave her much love and the best care possible; by her son Christopher who loved and appreciated her for all she did for him and the many others whose lives she touched; and by their spouses, Brian and Beth, who loved their mother-in-law “Stel” like their own mom. Her suffering is over and she will be reunited with her parents, her two other sisters, and her Jimmy, who she loved and missed so much. No public services will be held, but donations can be made in her memory to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Information provided by Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. Info: 630-834-3515 or ElmhurstFH.com.