Regina (Jean) Theresa Coady Graham was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Bill, on May 2, 2020, just 3 days after what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. Jean was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 7, 1926. She was the sixth of eight children born to James Leo Coady and Regina Mary Drew. Jean was raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn. She was a member of St. Savior Church, where she also attended grade and high school, graduating in 1944. Jean graduated with a major in Chemistry from Notre Dame College of Baltimore, MD in 1948. It was in Baltimore that she met the love of her life on a blind date, Bill Graham, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. They married in 1950 at her home church in Brooklyn and returned to reside in the Baltimore suburb of Rodgers Forge. There she and Bill began raising their family, before moving to Bloomfield, CT in 1956. She was an active parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, a Girl Scout troop leader, a member in the Mothers Circle and Garden clubs and was an avid bridge club member. In 1970, Jean pursued a master's degree, graduating from the University of Hartford with an M.A. in Education in 1974. She returned to teaching, teaching 5th grade at Renbrook School in West Hartford. Jean and Bill moved to West Hartford in 1976. Jean retired from teaching in 1991. She and Bill traveled extensively during their retirement. During this time she also volunteered for the Friends of the Mark Twain House, was the membership chairwoman at the Town and County Club, and was an active member of the Saturday Morning Club. She and Bill worshipped at St. Peter Claver Church. In 2010, Bill and Jean moved to the Duncaster Community in Bloomfield. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill. She is survived by her six children, 15 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, who affectionately called her G.G. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and many beloved nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased by her sisters Helen, Marguerite and Loretta, and brothers, James, Joseph, Gerard and Raymond. She was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, on May 28, 2020. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com
Published in Hartford Courant on Jun. 6, 2020