Cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt
MELROSE — Anna Mae (Flynn) Graf, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by family on September 1 at the age of 98. Anna Mae was born in Melrose on November 8, 1926 to the late Anna (Marshall) and Thomas R. Flynn. She was raised in Everett, Malden and Melrose, graduating from Girls Catholic in 1944. After high school, Anna Mae enrolled in the Wyndham School in Boston. She would work for a commercial artist in Copley Square and then for her father’s company Daggett Chocolate in the credit department. During this time, she was also taking classes in business, credit and collections at Boston University.
Anna Mae married the late Dr. John S. Graf on June 23, 1951 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield. Dr. Graf was serving in the United States Air Force at the time; as a result the couple moved around the country. They would eventually settle back in Melrose in 1954 where they would remain for the rest of their lives.
Anna Mae was a full-time mother of five and was always there for her children. With what little spare time she had from raising her family, Anna Mae volunteered her time with the Mass Medical Auxiliary, Melrose Sharing and Caring and she was very involved at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. Her family will always cherish the time they had together traveling to Boothbay Harbor and Mattapoisett; spending time on the beach with family was one of her favorite things to do. Anna Mae was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt who will be greatly missed.
Beloved wife of the late Dr. John S. Graf. Loving mother of John Graf and his wife Debra of Atkinson, NH; Thomas Graf and his wife Barbara of West Newbury; Richard Graf and his wife Janet of Plymouth; Cynthia Silveira and her husband Steve of Melrose; and Ronald Graf and his partner Mark Borghetti of Melrose. Proud grandmother of nine: Ryan, Brendan, Meghan, Kathryn, Laura, Julia, John, Marshall and Grant. Great-grandmother of four: Emily, Charlotte Mae, Ani and Ava. Sister of the late Dr. Raymond M. Flynn. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Longtime friend of Anita Fredericks.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brightview Wakefield for the compassionate, patient and dignified care they provided to Anna Mae during her time there. Their kindness and support brought comfort to her and all of us.
Visiting Hours were held on Sunday, September 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A funeral Mass was held on Monday, September 8 at 10 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield. Burial followed the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. John S. and Anna Mae Graf Scholarship Fund, c/o Malden Catholic, 99 Crystal St., Malden, MA 02148. To leave a message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.