Eunice Jean Halvorson Graham

Eunice Jean Halvorson Graham, age 82, of Oak Park Heights, Minn., unexpectedly passed away Saturday, March 3, 2012. She was born Nov. 8, 1929, in Grafton, N.D., to Eva and Thomas Halvorson. She later attended the Deaconess Hospital, N.D., where she earned a degree in nursing. Eunice worked as a head floor nurse at the University of Minnesota where she met her husband, Dr. Asa Graham. They were married in the Hvideso Lutheran Church in Edinburg, N.D., and later moved to Faribault, Minn., where they raised five children. Eunice was a giving and patient mother and her words of encouragement inspired everyone. On retirement, Eunice and Asa moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where she volunteered and was active in church and political activities. In 2001, they moved back to Oak Park Heights, Minn., to be closer to their family. Throughout her life, Eunice strived to create a caring community. By doing so she was actively involved with Hospice, the Bloodmobile, First Aid Education, Meals on Wheels and Questers. She was instrumental in the restoration and preservation of Johnston Hall, a historical part of the District One Hospital in Faribault, Minn. She appreciated all the beauty and love of nature all around her and enjoyed sharing that with her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Helen Marie Stevens; and parents. She is survived by her children, William (Cyndi) of Minnetrista, Minn., Cathy (Curt Orde) of Centennial, Wyo., Mary (Jeff Johnson) of Apple Valley, Minn., Margaret Krohn, Hudson, Wis., and Thomas (Sharyn) of Ashby, Minn.; and eight wonderful grandchildren, Cassandra and William Graham, Russell Graham, Nicole and Danielle Johnson, Molly and Amber Krohn, and Samuel Graham; sister-in-law, Mary Lindholm of Minneapolis, Minn. Services will be held in Stillwater at The Swanson Chapel at Boutwells Landing, 5600 Norwich Parkway at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 9, and in Faribault at the Episcopal Saviors Church, 515 Second Ave. N.W. on Saturday, March 10, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Minnesota Medical Foundation to support Parkinson's Research at the U of M, 200 Oak St. S.E. Suite 300, Mpls, MN 55455.