GRAHAM, Donalda

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Donalda (Donnie) Jean Graham (nee Orr)

Passed away on July 27, 2012 at the age of 83 with family by her side at Kelowna, General Hospital.  She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Lorne Graham, her three children: Murray Graham, Michele Goebel and Myles Graham; her grandchildren: Chet Graham, LexAnn Graham, Gabriel Graham, Luke Graham, Amber Goebel, Kyle Goebel; great grandchildren: Venessa Marie Katerlos, Lee Nelson Graham.  She is predeceased by her father Edgar, mother Mary, sister Margaret and brother-in-law Henry.  Mom was born November 19, 1928 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan the first daughter of Edgar and Mary Orr.  She lived in Manitoba during her formative years.  She married Lorne in 1951 in Sheridan, Manitoba.  They lived in Manitoba until they settled in the Yorton, Saskatchewan area in 1956 where they stayed until they retired to Kelowna, BC in 1996.  Mom enjoyed many activities through her life which include: curling, tennis, playing cards, bowling and dancing.  She especially enjoyed Square Dancing and actively participated in Square Dance Club in the various communities that she and Dad lived in.  After mom and dad retired, they traveled extensively in motor homes as well as taking many cruises and tours to foreign countries.  She was a volunteer for a number of organizations in Yorkton which included: The Lionels, Eastern Star and the Yorkton Sheltered Workshop.  While in Kelowna, Donnie volunteered for the Salvation Army in their Soup Kitchen and Kettle Drives until health forced her to discontinue her services.  Throughout her life she was actively involved in her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s lives, supporting and encouraging them in their various activities and endeavors.  Mom worked in the food service industry for 30 years as co-owner and operator of the Yorkton Dairy Queen and Short-Stop Coffee Shop.  Mom was a principled, compassionate and determined woman who positively impacted the lives of people that she encountered.  She was dearly loved and cherished by her family and friends who are deeply saddened by her passing.  A service to be held at a later date.