Margaret Graham

Margaret Blanche Graham was born on December 26, 1920 in Medford, Mass., daughter of Hugh Angus MacDougall and Anna (Emma) Gertrude Hanley; sister of Grace, Ruth, Robert and Claire MacDougall. She was affectionately called Blanche by her friends and family and Nanew by her grandchildren. Blanche graduated from Medford High School in 1938, attended Vesper George Art School from 1939 to 1940, and six months later earned her license to "practice hair dressing" from Banford Academy in Boston. She was employed at Thelma's Beauty Salon from 1940 - 1943 as a beautician and a hand and hair model. From 1943 - 1945 she supported the war effort by working for the Submarine Signal Company, where she was selected as a beauty contest winner. She later continued her work as a beautician for John and Henry Klugl in Boston. She married Junior Frances (Stretch) Graham on January 15, 1950, and lived in Wisconsin for one year. After the birth of her first child, the family moved to Maryland. Blanche's life revolved around her family. She was the mother of David Graham (Marilyn), Ann Kisielnicki (Stephen), Ruth Philbrick (Thomas), Diane Merkel, and Jay Graham (Cara). She was the grandmother of Jennifer Talbot, Erin Graham, Michael Graham, Katie Merkel, Megan Philbrick, Heather Merkel, Ali Philbrick, and Patrick Merkel. Blanche was a Washington Redskin's fan; she loved to travel, was an avid reader, an excellent seamstress, and an outstanding artist. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially sharing art days with her grandchildren. Blanche was generous, kind, sensitive, and loving. She had a great sense of humor, was a wonderful listener, and had a wide selection of tales and stories of the past that she enjoyed sharing with her friends and family. She will be missed by all who knew her. Family and friends may call at GASCH'S FUNERAL HOME, P.A, 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD on Tuesday, September 14, from 2 to 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the viewing at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to DeMatha Catholic High School, 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Attn: Development Dept.; St. Jerome Catholic School, 5207 42nd Place, Hyattsville, MD 20781, or the charity of your choice.