Jean E. (Nordquist) Graham, 81, formerly of Narragansett, RI passed away Tuesday, March 1 in Tatnuck Park, surrounded by her family.

She leaves her husband of 61 years, Robert J. Graham, Jr., five children, Lisa O’Neil and her husband, Sean of Worcester, Michael Graham and his wife, Lee of Marlborough, Mary Beth Bayes and her husband, Ryan of Austin, TX, Kristen Mulhern and her husband, James of Brookfield and Timothy Graham and his significant other, Michelle LaGrassa of Rutland; thirteen grandchildren, Jillian (Michael) McGrath, Ryan (Elizabeth) O’Neil, Dylan (Kelcey) O’Neil, Alyssa (Andrew) Babineau, Lauren (Nicholas) Fiorino, Zachary Graham, Patrick Mulhern, Jared Graham, Madison Bayes, Mackenzie (Nicolas) Moon, Johnny Keyes, Sydney Keyes and Eric Graham; five-great-grandchildren, Liam, Owen, Alexina, Caden and Parker; a sister, Donna Hagglund of Holden; a sister-in-law Carol Nordquist of New Hampshire, a sister-in-law Peg (Dick) Tully of Charlton, a brother-in-law Donald (Kim) Graham of Georgia, a sister-in-law Linda Shedd of Charlton, her lifelong friend Ruthie (Ronnie) Gadbois, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers Carl and Ralph Nordquist, a brother in law Steven Hagglund, and a sister in law Donna Nordquist. She was born in Worcester, daughter of Helen and Eric (Carlson) Nordquist and graduated from Wachusett High School, received her Associate’s degree from Quinsigamond College, her Bachelor’s in Education from Anna Maria College and her Master’s degree in Special Education from Assumption College.

Jean worked for the Worcester Public School system for over 20 years in the field of special education before retiring. She loved her time spent with family in Narragansett and enjoyed wintering for over 15 years in Venice, FL.

Jean’s family and friends will share memories of her famous laugh but also remember how quickly the tears could come when she heard a sad story or watched a sad movie. Most will remember an outstanding teacher and an excellent writer. Others will think often of the sometimes serious, but often funny, conversations at book club or listening to her read what she’d written for the monthly meeting of a small writing group. Others will smile when they picture a grown woman trying to stay upright on cross country skis or ice skating on a friend’s frozen pond. A few will remember Jean acting as lifeguard for lots of little ones at the lake for one hour, then calling them all out and sitting down for an hour of scrabble. Everyone will have great memories of Jean, the lady rarely seen without her anklet.

Jean found the most pleasure in the times she spent with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jean’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Tatnuck Park and Ascend Hospice for all their loving care and compassion throughout Jean’s illness.

Visiting Hours are Sunday, March 6, from 2 to 5pm with a Funeral Service to follow immediately after at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. Burial will be private. The family requests that you wear a mask while in attendance. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or the Shriners Children’s Hospital at www.shrinerschildren.org.