EDDINGTON – Priscilla Jane DeGraff, 80, passed away peacefully Oct. 21, 2010, at her home. She was born May 4, 1930, in South Portland, the only child of Otis V. and Evelyn Tripp Staples. Priscilla spent many hours working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and took such pride in the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables she grew in her gardens. After harvesting the vegetables in her garden, she would spend days canning them and serving them at meals throughout the winter months. She also loved to give her canned goods to others and many people looked forward to her delicious foods. She loved making jams and jellies, and a fond memory was smelling the wonderful pies that would be cooling in the kitchen. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting, and the family never was without a warm pair of homemade mittens or socks when the weather got cold – simple memories that bring a smile to our faces when we think of them. Priscilla also loved animals and often took in strays and made them a part of the family. She had a warm and loving heart for people and animals, and everyone was always welcome and made to feel at home when at Priscilla’s place. Later in life Priscilla used her caring and good heart to take care of elderly people in the last days of their lives. She made their last days comfortable, worthy and dignified as they passed from this life. She required the same care herself in her last days and the family thanks her son, Lawrence, and New Hope Hospice for their help and kindness during Priscilla’s last days. Priscilla kept her sense of humor right to the end of her life, and there were many laughs and smiles as she told stories or just said a funny little quip. As sad as it is to have her gone, she lives on in our hearts with many memories, and we will treasure them forever. Priscilla was predeceased by her parents; a baby who died shortly after childbirth; and an adopted daughter, Tina Louise DeGraff. She is survived by her children, Donna Oliver and her husband, Kevin, of Eddington, Lawrence DeGraff of Eddington and Bill DeGraff and his wife, Sue, of Augusta; and her grandchildren, Bill DeGraff Jr. of Norridgewock, Maureen Tardiff and her husband, Trever, of Readfield, Mark DeGraff and his wife, Michelle, of Norridgewock, Denise Golding and her companion, Tom Irvine, of Eddington, Judy Oliver of Ocala, Fla., and Teresa Oliver of Sarasota, Fla. Her great-grandchildren include Erika, Joshua and Jeff Golding, Adam Irvine, Bill DeGraff III, Mark Jr., Maxwell DeGraff and Brandon Tardiff. There will be a short graveside service for family at a later date at Grove Cemetery, Belfast. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Hospice, Main Road, Eddington, ME 04428 or Crossroads Ministry, 2 Wood St., Old Town, ME 04468. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
PRISCILLA JANE DEGRAFF
