Mary Graham

Mary Therese Graham, 91, died suddenly on May 20, 2021 while being transported to Mease Countryside Hospital after she collapsed entering her home returning from a doctor’s appointment that morning. She was a gracious and cheerful woman, always smiling and spreading love wherever she went. Mary was born to Romanian immigrants in Erie, PA on February 8, 1930. Her parents George and Victoria Sarvadi came to this country in the early 1900’s. Both Mary and her brother George enjoyed a childhood filled with made from scratch meals, Romanian “pupasa” (sweet bread), homemade pies and fresh canned fruits and vegetables from their garden. 

    During her high school years at Villa Maria Academy, Mary met and fell in love with Richard Graham. At age 20, they were married. Richard served 4 years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. During that time, their first daughter Linda was born in Albuquerque, NM. After his service, they returned to Erie where, over the next 12 years, they had 4 more children, Rick, Todd, Christine and Alison. While raising their 5 children, they owned and managed a local tavern, Richard sold Prudential Insurance and Mary worked the lunch shift at a country club called East Erie Turners. Because of her likeness to the actress in the Golden girls, Mary was affectionately referred to as Maude. Much of their spare time was devoted to attending church, school events, and sports, but they still enjoyed entertaining and other hobbies such as bowling and boating. As the children got older, Mary’s parents moved outside the city to Girard, PA. They shared many wonderful Sunday afternoons with Mary’s brother George, his wife Trudy, and their 9 children. All 14 cousins enjoyed long afternoons playing in their grape vineyards while homemade food was being prepared in the kitchen. 

     Although Mary wore many different hats, her deepest passion was her family. She loved being a mom and took great pride in raising her children. She was a prayerful woman, a devoted Christian and loved her savior, Jesus. She often referred to Him as her best friend.

     In 1978 Richard and Mary along with their 2 youngest children moved to Clearwater, FL. Richard, then semi-retired, set up a window cleaning business and Mary happily continued as a waitress at Chief Charley’s. She quickly became a favorite, still carried the nickname Maude and was loved by all who met her. She later began working at Gayfers Department Store. She started out in housewares and it wasn’t long before she became one of the top sales associates and was requested in the fashion jewelry department. People were immediately drawn to Mary’s joyful personality and impeccable fashion sense. She thrived as a loyal and integral member of their sales team for 10 years.

     Mary was always a lady. She loved fresh flowers, ice cream and kisses –not necessarily in that order. She treasured her grand and great grandchildren and affectionately celebrated all of their many accomplishments. At 91 she still enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra and dancing.  And, if you knew her at all, you knew the unending love she had for Richard, the love of her life! Just the mention of his name would make her eyes light up! Despite her urges to immediately join him after his passing in 2018, Mary remained with her loving family for almost 3 more years surviving the 2020 COVID Pandemic until she was called home. 

     Mary will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, nurturing grandma and trusted friend. She always made everyone feel welcome and never set a table without enough for one more! When we meet again, she will no doubt be waiting with open arms, dressed in her favorite color purple, purse in hand, and her beautiful smile coiffed with bright pink lipstick. 

She will always be our angel!

She is predeceased by both parents, George and Victoria Sarvadi and brother George. She is survived by sons Richard (Wanda), Todd, daughters Linda, Christine (Michael) Beale, Alison Clarke and grandchildren Ryan, Cory, Sean (Rebecca), Colby (Kylie) Greenlee, Brandon and Tyler Barlow, Chase, Mikaela and Gabrielle Beale and great grandchildren Tyler Mitchell and Kyleigh Barlow.

A memorial service to honor the life of Mary Graham is scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:00 am at Harborside Chapel at 2100 Marshall Street Clearwater, Florida 34695.

Friends and family are invited to share a memory and to sign her guestbook below.