Muriel Kent (Kent) Graham

Muriel Kent Graham of Wolfeboro, NH and formerly of South Hadley, MA died peacefully at home on April 22, 2024, 2 months to the day shy of her 103rd birthday.  Muriel was born on June 22, 1921, in Springfield, MA to Charles Herbert Kent and Hazel (Clark) Kent. Childhood years were spent in Cheshire, CT before the family moved to South Hadley, MA. Muriel graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1944. She was a proud alumna and served as treasurer of her class for many years. At her 65th reunion in 2009, the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College presented her with its Loyalty Award.

On November 17, 1945, Muriel married Lawrence Allen Graham in Mount Holyoke’s Abbey Chapel. They met at a neighborhood Christmas party on East Street in South Hadley. Larry was the love of her life. Their marriage lasted for almost 60 years until his death on November 1, 2005. For over 30 years Muriel and Larry lived in South Hadley and were active in the greater Holyoke community. Muriel was Larry’s ardent supporter as he successfully grew the family business, Graham Manufacturing Company.  In the early 1970s, they bought a retirement home on Springfield Point in Wolfeboro, NH. Muriel so enjoyed taking summer morning swims in the lake, even meeting a passing otter once, and listening to the call of loons at night. Exploring Lake Winnipesaukee by boat on the Happy Hour was a regular occurrence especially when family and friends visited. Muriel was active in ladies golf at Kingswood and Bald Peak always in search of that elusive hole-in-one. She was also an ardent bridge fan, playing for many years with her partner Ruth in the Huggins Hospital Ladies Bridge group.

On August 21, 2023, Wolfeboro town officials presented Muriel with the Boston Post cane, a recognition the town gives to its oldest citizen. The cane stood proudly in the corner of her room until her death. Her 50 plus years in Wolfeboro were filled with so many happy memories.

Muriel was a devoted mother who nurtured her 4 children and celebrated their achievements. She was the proud grandmother of 7 grandsons and delighted in spending time with them and hearing about all their activities.  Muriel was also the adoring Nana of 12 great grandchildren ranging in age from 20 years to 6 months. What brought her sheer joy was holding each newborn in her arms for the first time. Family was her number one priority.

Her grandsons remember her big hugs, warm smiles, encouragement, and generosity; she was the epitome of grace. When family members gathered, there was much discussion and laughter. Her brownies and chocolate chip cookies always disappeared very quickly. Having grown up during the Depression years, she was also a stoic who accepted disappointments without complaint. “Buck-up” was an expression she learned as a child from her British father. Daffodils were her favorite flower.

Visits to Bermuda were always fun especially Muriel’s 90th birthday celebration with 4 generations in attendance. All of us were blessed to have her in our lives for such a long time. She was an amazing woman.

Muriel is survived by her children Susan Simpson (Alan), Donald Graham, Nancy Lundquist (Barry), and David Graham (Donna). Her 7 grandsons are Jeff Simpson (Sue), Greg Simpson (Mary Christina), Nick Graham (Abbey), Kent Graham (Brigid), John Lundquist (Suzanne), Sam Lundquist, and Gavin Graham (Mackenzie). Great grandchildren are Eliza, Davis, Ava, Jack, Liam, and Lily Simpson; Oliver, Liam, Griffin, and Madeline Graham; Zaya and Florence Lundquist. Muriel is also survived by 4 nephews and 1 niece.

In addition to her husband, Larry, and her parents, Muriel was predeceased by her brother Charles W. Kent and 1 nephew.  Muriel wanted to remain at home until her death. Caring, devoted, dependable caregivers from Home Instead and Whole Hearted in Wolfeboro, NH allowed her wish to be fulfilled. The family is also most grateful to Cornerstone VNA of Rochester, NH, especially nurse Linda for the compassionate, professional Hospice care provided. Muriel was fortunate to have had such a wonderful supportive team.  Muriel’s dear friend, Sharyn, has been invaluable particularly during the last few years as Muriel’s health declined. Sharyn and Muriel shared a special bond.

Memorial services will be held this summer in Wolfeboro and South Hadley.  Muriel’s ashes will be interred in Evergreen Cemetery in South Hadley.

Tribute gifts in memory of Muriel may be made to Cornerstone VNA 178 Farmington Road Rochester, NH 03867 cornerstonevna.org

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