BEVERLY: Cynthia Mae Story Graham, age 64, passed peacefully from this world on August 19, 2014, surrounded by her adoring family. Her death follows a courageous battle with cancer during which she never gave up hope, facing each day with strength, grace and her signature joy. Cindy leaves behind her beloved husband of 37 years, James R. Graham, and their dear children – daughter Joanne “Jody” Graham of Beverly, son and daughter-in-law, Jay J. and Michelle (Dionne) Graham of Beverly and cherished granddaughter Lucy Mae Graham.
Born in Salem in 1950, she was the daughter of Francis P. and Mae E. (Joslin) Story of Beverly. Cindy graduated from Danvers High School, class of 1968, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. A 1971 graduate of New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, she earned her RN with High Honors. Cindy was an extremely skilled surgical nurse specializing in joint replacement and worked in the operating rooms of Massachusetts General Hospital, Lahey Clinic in Boston and Beverly Hospital. She was a cherished wife, devoted mother, loving daughter, sister and sister-in-law, treasured aunt, and adored grandmother.
In addition to her husband, children and parents, she is also survived by her four sisters, Pam Martell and her husband Jeff of Scituate, Rev. Jane Milaschewski and her husband Bill of Beverly, Nancy Traicoff and her husband Scott of Beverly, and Sally Story and her husband Scott McDowell of Beverly; her brother Steven Story and his wife Suzy of Rowley; and her sister-in-law Judith Boedecker of Wolfeboro, NH. She was “Cinnie” to sixteen nieces and nephews.
Cindy was always happiest out-of-doors, face to the sunshine – whether strolling West Beach, swimming and shelling at sunset at Boca Grande or exploring the woods and lakes around her beloved Wells, Vermont. She saw beauty in every flower, bird and butterfly and was the kindest, most compassionate friend to all. People she met were instantly drawn to her infectious smile and her radiant beauty. Cinnie loved her family above all else. She never missed a recital, school play, graduation or wedding. Her departure is an incalculable loss.
A Celebration of Life Gathering for Cindy, open to all, will be held on Monday, August 25, from 4 – 7 p.m. Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 26 at 2 p.m. Relatives and close friends are cordially invited to attend. Both with be held at the Church in the Cove, 167 Hale Street, Beverly, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Cindy’s memory to her church, the Church in the Cove. Interment will be privately held in North Beverly Cemetery.