FARMINGTON – P. Natalie McGraw, 89, formerly of Oakfield, died Saturday, July 29, 2006, at Orchard Park Living and Rehabilitation Center, Farmington. She was born March 29, 1917, in Oakfield, the daughter of Owen “Tom” and Claudia (McLaughlin) Brannen. She married William “Billy” McGraw Jan. 26, 1940. They resided in Oakfield for more than 60 years; Billy passed away Feb. 5, 2000. She and Billy enjoyed “four wheeling,” camping with special friends, cooking and visits from their grandchildren. In August of 2001, Natalie moved to Orchard Park and into the nursing home facility in May of 2006. Natalie taught school for 33 years in and around the Oakfield area, retiring in 1977. Many adults in the area fondly call her their “kindergarten teacher”, even today. She was involved in getting the Oakfield Railroad Museum established. She was the first President of the Oakfield Historical Society and served on its board of directors for many years. She was quite a historian. She followed her mother’s habit of recording births and deaths in Oakfield. Natalie was a school board member, a member of the Oakefield Grange Degree Team, a member of the Swinging Oaks Square Dance Club and worked as a hospice volunteer and devoted her energy to many other community activities. Natalie attended Merrill High School for three years and then graduated from Oakfield Community High School in 1935. She was one of 22 students in that first graduating class of OCHS. She then attended Farmington Normal School for two years and began teaching shortly thereafter. She continued her education at Presque Isle and at the University of Maine at Orono. She graduated in May of 1962 from Presque Isle Teachers College. Natalie is survived by two sons, Retired Master Sgt. Roderick McGraw and wife, Susanne, of Palm Coast, Fla. and their three children, Nicole and Sheena McGraw of Palm Coast, Fla. and Laurie McGraw of Virginia Beach, Va., Dr. Richard McGraw and his wife, Gloria, of Belgrade Lakes, and their children, Shawn and Charlene McGraw, Todd Mc-Graw, Robyn Brooks, Melanie and John Mulrooney and Dr. Troy and Betsy Norton. Natalie “really” enjoyed her grandchildren, and great-grand-children, Sierra, Brannen, Chelsea and Taylor McGraw, Connor and Aidan Mulrooney, Miles and Chandler Brooks, Carter Norton. Natalie is also survived by a brother, Phillip Brannen of Oakfield; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends are invited to call 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday where services will be held 7:30 p.m. at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Routes 2 and 27, Farmington, with Pastor Brian Rebert officiating. Family and friends are also invited to call 3-4 p.m. Tuesday at Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls. Public graveside services will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Oakfield Cemetery. Those who desire may give gifts in her memory to the Oakfield Alumni Association or to the Oakfield Historical Society. Online condolences may be sent to wilesfuneralhomes@verizon.net
P. NATALIE MCGRAW
