The Funeral Mass for Stanley will be live streamed. To view please CLICK HERE
It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Stanley Graham, 64 after a long illness. Stanley passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side. Born in Judique, Nova Scotia, Canada his heart never really left there though he spent most of his adult life living and working in Dedham, MA. Born on July 4, 1957 to parents Johnnie and Isabel Graham, he first learned from them life lessons that stood him well all his life. They taught him his deep and quiet faith, his love of family, how to be a good friend, work hard but also to take the time to laugh and have fun. He was witty, kind and made friends easily. He counted children, old people and dogs among his friends and they loved him back.
Stanley worked for years as a skilled house painter and handy-man and his excellent work lives on in the homes of friends and relatives, religious statues at his church in Dedham and at his family church in Judique. He would work with his Cape Breton fiddle tunes playing in the background and loved all music, but especially Celtic music from home. He would journey to Cape Breton at least twice a year and during lobster season in the spring. He loved being on the water in his father’s fishing boat with his brothers and local fishermen. He loved spending those vacations in his parents’ home, laughing and joking with family and friends, playing cards, having a drink or two and enjoying his Mom’s great cooking. He was a collector of things and people and they loved him back.
Stanley loved a good yard sale and his basement collection is legendary. Sandra had only to ask and an antique trunk or table or toy for a new grandnephew was brought forth from that collection to the laughter and delight of whoever was around at the time. He loved entertaining and working in the yard. The doors to their house in Dedham were always open to visitors from home or local friends and family. Many a good gathering was held there and people never went away empty handed.
Stanley is survived by his loving wife Sandra, his sister Jeanette (Robert), brothers Gerard (Carol Anne), Basil (Johanna) and Darren (Heather), brother-in-law Bernie, parents’ in-law Sandy and Annie Laurie MacDonald, sisters-in-law Louise (Jamie), Janice (Douglas) and Jo-Anne and uncles Joe and Ronald Graham. Though they weren’t blessed with children, he was beloved by his 17 nieces and nephews and 10 grand-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Johnnie and Isabel Graham, his beloved sister Mary and nieces Meggie and Mary Theresa. He also leaves many heartbroken cousins, extended family and friends to mourn his great loss.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham on Friday, Feb. 18 from 4-8pm. His funeral will take place from the funeral home on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Burial will take place at a later date in Nova Scotia.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Stanley’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Mary’s Church, 25 Avery St., Dedham, MA 02026 or to St. Andrew’s Parish, 5480 Rt. 19, Judique, NS, CA B0E 1P0.