Jean May Graver, age 98, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at Grandview Lodge on March 13, 2015 with family by her side.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 4, 1916, she spent her younger years in Ignace, Ontario. She then moved to Fort William where she married Edwin James Graver on December 30, 1936. Jean was a homemaker and family was center stage in her life. Together with Ed, they built their summer camp at Shebandowan Lake where they had many friends, including next door neighbours of fifty years Walter and Carol Trapp from Milwaukie, Wisconsin. Many happy years were spent at the cottage with their two sons and families. Jean also enjoyed spending time with her “Auntie Margaret” who was like a sister to her.
They liked bowling, shopping, and visiting with families. Watching sports was a big part of her life, especially hockey and baseball on TV right up to the last week of her life. She never missed her grandson’s hockey games, whether in town or away. In later years, she loved to watch her great grandchildren playing at camp. Although she was unable to attend their hockey games, she followed them through pictures and videos, telling them to “get a goal for Nana!” She lived a long and happy life and will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
Jean is survived by her sons Brian (Anne) of Thunder Bay, and Neil (Dianne) of Ottawa, her grandchildren Jeffrey (Linda) and great grandchildren Brett and Chase of Thunder Bay, her grandchildren Lisa of New Jersey, and Allison of Ottawa, as well as numerous other relatives. Jean was predeceased by her mother Edith Robertson-Davies, her father John Robertson, who was killed in WWI in France, 1918, her step-father Albert Davies, and her husband Edwin James Graver in 2004.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. If friends desire, memorial donations to the Humane Society or the Thunder Bay Regional Sciences Centre would be appreciated. The family would like to thank all staff at Grandview Lodge, especially the 2nd floor F Wing caregivers who took such good care of her.
She loved her room overlooking Friendship Gardens, especially the morning sunrises.
Jean May Graver will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2016.
