Obituary of Betty J. Graham

GOUVERNEUR - Ms. Betty Graham, age 90, of Gouverneur, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away surrounded by her family on January 10, 2014 after a brief illness. Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life following the calling hours at the Gouverneur VFW where a luncheon will be served. Betty was born on August 20, 1923 in Lisbon to the late Willard and Edith (Baker) Badger. She is survived by a sister, Dorothy Berg of Longwood, FL and sister-in-law, Peg Badger of Liverpool, NY. She is predeceased by a brother, Malcolm Badger. She graduated from Heuvelton High School. Betty worked at the McAdam Cheese Factory in Heuvelton and for the Clifton-Fine Hospital where she retired from in the late 1980's. She was married to Roy Finley until 1963, with whom she had 6 children; Carol Finley who passed away on January 3, 2008, Joan and James Hickey, Nancy Juliano, Betsy and Richard Naselli, all of Syracuse; Richard Finley of Carthage, and Janet and Rick Taylor of Lake Bonaparte. Roy passed away in 1993 in Florida. Betty was also predeceased by her second husband, Lloyd Graham in 1975 and her long time friend, Jim Smith in 2005. She is also survived by her current dance partner, Edward Caster, 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Betty had many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed square dancing, knitting, reading, walking, gardening, having coffee with her friends, card games, and going to the gym. She loved being outside and spending time with her family and friends. She volunteered at the St. James Outreach Center in Gouverneur up until the time of her death. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. James Outreach Center, the Senior Center of Cambray Courts, or the Samaritan Center in Syracuse. You may also send a donation to a charity of choice. Condolences may be made online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.