Lois Emma Graf, 79, a lifelong resident of Queens, died on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie.
Born in Astoria on June 20, 1932, she was the daughter of John W. and Emma Charlotte Wirth Zittel. Lois was employed as a nursery school teacher for Phipps Houses Inc. in Queens for 23 years. At the age of 57, she received her Bachelors Degree in Art History from Queens College, CUNY. She played bridge at the masters level and had a big heart for homeless animals, rescuing 2 dogs, 7 cats, 2 parakeets and 1 box turtle in her lifetime. She traveled extensively through Europe, visiting major art museums. Lois was proudly left-handed and was a creative cook who enjoyed the fine arts, literature and public television.
On October 4, 1950 in Jackson Heights, Lois married Martin Charles Graf who predeceased her on December 9, 2010. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Graf Peters and Richard Peters of Poughkeepsie; her granddaughter, Dr. Elizabeth A. (Graf Peters) Harris and her husband Jon of Raleigh, NC; her sister, Doris Anderson of Sun City West, AZ; her brother, John Zittel and his wife Carol of Sinking Springs, PA; a niece, four nephews and a great-nephew; and numerous cousins and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Funeral Service will be on Monday at 9:30 am at the funeral home with Rev. John Young officiating. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Queens.
For driving directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.