Maria Louise Graham transitioned on July 2, 2015 into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Maria is best remembered as a "free spirit" who loved to travel, experience diverse cultures and engage in the amazingly natural wonders of the world. Just a few weeks before she transitioned, she fulfilled an item on her bucket list, co-piloting an airplane.
Whether Maria was traveling in Europe with her beloved Dad (1990), whitewater rafting with friends, or singing songs on the Portuguese Church of the Nazarene aka International Church of The Nazarene "Youth Aflame" red van, Maria's infectious smile and giving spirit touched those around her.
Maria was happiest when spending time with family, her dear "family of friends" and using her gifts and talents to assist members of her community and her beloved Washington Community Church in Washington DC where she served as an Elder.
Maria was born on March 1, 1962 in La Rochelle, France to the late Delores Patricia (Gibbs) Graham and Sam Graham.
Maria is a 1980 graduate of Fairhaven High School located in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. She was a proud alumna of Howard University in Washington, DC, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Dietetics in 1989.
She was a dedicated employee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Maryland for nearly 26 years. Maria is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist and the owner her own practice, Still Waters.
Maria is predeceased by her loving mother, Delores Patricia (Gibbs) Graham. She is survived by her father, Sam Graham (Washington DC), her brother Jeffery J. Graham (Dartmouth, MA), her sister Cheryl A. Booker (Jacksonville, FL), and her aunts and uncles; Millicent Garr, Betty Graham, Billy Ray Graham, Frank Graham, Delaney Graham, and Jonathan Graham. Maria is also survived by her nieces and nephew; Jennifer Booker, James Graham-Richardson, Desiree Graham-Richardson, Margarita Alago, Xiomara Hernandez, and Grissel Hernandez.
A memorial service will be held at the International Church of the Nazarene in New Bedford, Massachusetts on Saturday, July 18th at 11 AM. A memorial service will also be held on August 1 at Washington Community Fellowship, Washington DC.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Maria's name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate) or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (https://www.pancan.org/).