Graehl Mary McHarg

Beloved by family and friends alike, a woman of many talents and diverse interests has left us this spring. Graehl came to Seattle in 1944, to work and to later resume her college studies at the UW. Employed as a designer/draftsperson in the then-new field of electronics, and later, in semi-retirement, did clerical work for Children’s Hospital. Her hobbies ran the gamut, as Graehl enjoyed keeping busy more than anything. Her home bears witness to her talents, from her artwork on the walls to garden stepping stones she cast and decorated. She enjoyed travel, especially by train; and kept active by bicycling, skiing, and walking many of the adopted dogs who would always find room in her home. A devoted daughter and niece, she was preceded in death by her mother, Gwladys McHarg, and Aunt Edith “Toots” Davis. Survived by her brother, Quillin McHarg (Jane), and will be particularly missed by her sister Fran Haigh (Jack) and their family; nephews Bruce, Joseph (Madeline), Paul (Janice), and Robert; and great nephews Samuel and Zachary.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Acacia Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE, in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you to support PAWS of Lynnwood, WA or other animal shelter with a donation in Graehl’s name.

Footprints

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

"You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,

"The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints,

is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson