Helen Adeline Graham

Helen was born September 28, 1917 in State Center, Marshall County, Iowa to Louis and Mary Eggers. She died six days short of her 95th birthday on September 22, 2012. She moved with four siblings from State Center, Iowa to Mason, MI at the age of two. One brother and one sister were born in Michigan. She has survived all six of her siblings and her parents. Helen graduated Salutatorian of her Mason High School class of 1936. She attended Lansing Business University and received a certificate from them. She worked about seven years for the Board of Social Welfare in Lansing. When it became difficult to get gas rations during WWII, she secured a job at Wyeth in Mason, and worked in the Purchasing Department there for about seven years also. On August 26, 1950, she married D. Earl Graham. They were married for 33 years. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, D. Earl Graham (1984), and by her son-in-law, John Skalsky (2002). Helen is survived by her only child; Mary Engelhardt (Larry) and John and Mary’s three children; Michael Skalsky (Jennifer), Laura Kirklin (Adam) and Nicholas Skalsky (Christina). Helen was “Granny” to Mary’s children and their children; Kyle Kirklin, Audrey Skalsky, Sean Kirklin and Gianna Skalsky. Helen and Earl were founding members of The Huron Valley Rose Society in 1959-1960. They hosted many Garden Tours at their home. Both Helen and Earl were Consulting Rosarians. Together they did extensive genealogy research and were members of The Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County and The Lapeer County Genealogical Society. Helen was as serious a University of Michigan Football fan, as was Earl. She was a member of Ann Arbor First United Methodist Church (February 24, 1952), where she taught Sunday School for a few years. She was also a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. In addition, she was a member of the March of Dimes. Without question, Helen Graham, was the matriarch of our family and we celebrate her peaceful promotion to be with God in Heaven. In lieu of flowers (because she grew the best roses!) donations should be made to Ann Arbor First United Methodist Church’s Building Fund in her memory.