Arlene Ann Graham

Arlene Graham, a longtime Pleasant Hill resident, passed away September 27. 2021 at home at the age of 86. Arlene was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was the daughter of Wilbur Gugerty and Mary (Sears) Lehmann, granddaughter of Frank and Nellie (Baugh) Gugerty of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Peter and Sarah Sears of Port Washington, Wisconsin. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul Graham, married nearly 60 years. Arlene was the last living Gugerty, Sears and Graham of that generation. Her two sisters preceded her in death: Marilyn Jochims of Wisconsin and Kathy Gugerty of Illinois.

Arlene is survived by her 6 children: Debi and George Hayos, Gary Graham, Jeff Graham, Ted and Myrna Graham, Paula Graham, and Jill and Peter Helmer.  She is survived by her 5 grandchildren: Natalie Tacorian, Aaron Hoyos, Bryan Hoyos, Benjamin Helmer and Gwendolyn Helmer as well as 4 great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Beau, Thomas and Leila. Surviving nieces and nephews: Sandi Shaw, Shelley Panos of Wisconsin, Cheri Austin of Illinois, Kurt Hackbarth of Georgia and Kori Hackbarth of Florida.

Arlene learned to sew from her mother at age 7 and sewed many clothes and décor for the family and at one time taught classes at the Pleasant Hill Rec. Center. She loved to take classes from the Pleasant Hill Adult Classes on crochet, ceramics, china painting, beading jewelry and many other fun crafts.  She made many friends during those times. Arlene created a business to sell her handmade gifts called Arlene’s Arts.  Each year she made and sold hundreds of pieces of beaded jewelry, ceramic Christmas trees, aprons and much more. She also loved to participate in the Holiday Boutiques in Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, private boutiques including Delta Delta Delta, Chevron, and private homes as well up until the last 2 years.

She enjoyed attending dinners at the American Legion when her husband, Paul was alive as well as the Pigeon Club of Martinez events.

Friends and family are invited to the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on Friday, November 5th at 11:00 am. Oakmont  Memorial Park, Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA 94549 –in  Inspiration Chapel and then head to the gravesite.  

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