Laura Graff

June 30, 1935 - October 09, 2021

Laura R Graff, 86, of Brentwood CA, formerly of Walnut Creek and Arcadia, CA, Ohio, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, passed away surrounded by her son, daughter and their spouses on October 09, 2021. Born on June 30, 1935, in Warwick, RI, Laura was the daughter of the late John and Maria Mello Ribeiro.

Laura attended Warwick High School. She worked various jobs until her marriage to Leo in 1957. For a time, she enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom. In 1967 after her children were in school, she began working part-time for the West Geauga Local School District making sure she was home when her children were out of school. She worked at Chester Elementary until Leo’s job was re-located to Southern California in 1974. In 1984 after her children were settled in their careers and personal life, she began working for Acalanes School District in Walnut Creek, CA in food services and served as a Union Rep. She remained a dedicated employee and was honored when she was selected as an “Employee of the Year.” She retired from the school district in 1999 after serving 15 fulfilling years.

Laura enjoyed sewing, knitting, painting, cake decorating, walking with Elli, camping and traveling and was a member of many clubs associated with her interests. A devout Catholic, Laura was most recently a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary where she served as a greeter and other volunteer duties at the church. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and traveling with her husband, Summerset friends and her sisters. She truly felt fulfilled and blessed to have enjoyed so much in her life.

Laura is survived by her son, Allan J Graff (Awilda) of Pittsburg, CA; her daughter, Karen L Graff Emard (Peter) of Antioch, CA; three grandchildren, Peter (Tiffany), Christopher (Nicole) and Joseph; and two great-grandchildren, Christian and Avion. A third great-grandchild (another boy!) is expected in March 2022. Laura also leaves behind two sisters, Mary and Louise and a brother, James. She was preceded in death by her husband Leo Graff who died in 2006, her brother, John Ribeiro and her sister, Diamantina Fuyat.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood, CA. A Rosary will precede the Mass at 1:00pm. A private burial will take at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Gustine, CA. The family welcomes donations to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Fund as an expression of sympathy in Laura’s name, in lieu of flowers.