LEVANT – Our most beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, Edith A. Graves, 59, crossed over Aug. 21, 2011, after a 10-month battle with lung cancer. She was born July 19, 1952, in Millinocket.
She grew up in Milo and moved for a short time to Massachusetts, before returning to Maine and her roots. Edie, often fondly referred to as “Speedy Edie,” loved crafting, gallons of coffee, chocolate, M&M’s, going out to eat, spending time with her family, and was well known as fiercely independent and a workaholic. Edie spent many years doing factory work and working as certified nurse’s assistant/certified residential medication aide/activities coordinator at local boarding homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. She had several special friendships with co-workers. She spent many nights enjoying WWE, reading Stephen King novels, spoiling her pug, Keyser, and planning activities for her grandchildren. Edie enjoyed Willie Nelson, annual summer trips to Bar Harbor, Halloween and horror movies, Christmas, an occasional dirty joke, lots of clean ones and had an infectious laugh. She was a loyal friend, trustworthy confidante and forgiving soul. She will be sorely missed by many and will not be forgotten by those who love her.
Edie was predeceased by her father, Vinal Lancaster; her mother, Anita Edgerly; and her husband, Clyde E. Graves, whom she loved until the end. She is survived by her son, Jassen Bailey and his wife, Jennifer Bailey, of Levant; her two granddaughters, Jayda Bailey and Jasmine Brown; her brother, Mike Lancaster and his wife, Marcia, of East Corinth; sister, Patricia Northup of Dover-Foxcroft; and sister, Cheryle Gray and her husband, Melvin Gray, of Dover-Foxcroft. She also thought fondly of her nieces and nephews. Her appreciation was voiced many times over for those who assisted her through this journey.
Her family thanks Melissa Darby and Rayma Chiarell of OHI, and their coworkers, for countless meals and provisions; Edie’s niece, Shawna, who supported from beginning to end, despite the difficulties; New Hope Hospice, Eddington, and a volunteer from New Hope Hospice, Brittany, who provided support and shoulders through the darkest hours.
In lieu of flowers and a funeral, Edie preferred that others honor her memory by contributions to her granddaughter’s fundraising cause, Jayda’s 100 Mile Run For Lung Cancer, 18 Sunny Acres Drive, Levant, ME 04456 or on Facebook. All donations will be forwarded to LUNGevity Foundation, which promotes research to end lung cancer.