Barbara Hope Graham

Barbara Hope Graham, age 88, of Peoria, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton where she had resided for the past two years.

Born May 29, 1932 in Bloomington to Bernice Wallace, she was adopted and raised in Peoria by Loren and Blanche Seay. She met Joe Graham on a blind date and they later married on August 24, 1952. He preceded her in death on October 8, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother, and sister.

Surviving are her daughters, Holly (Bill) Hammel of Peoria and Heidi (Danny) Koeppel of Jacksonville, IL; her grandchildren, Jacob Hammel of West Peoria; Anna and Paige Koeppel, both of Springfield, IL; and her sister-in-law, Helen Graham of Waterloo, IL. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Barb held various positions during her 26-year career at Illinois Bell, retiring from Marketing in 1988.

She next worked at Famous Barr/Macy's for many years. If you passed the fragrance counter, she may have given you a spritz or two of perfume.

She loved her family and made each of us feel special. She was a people person who was always interested in making new friends and hearing their stories.

A few of her favorite things included reading, shopping, current events, fashion trends, gardening, painting, traveling, and winters in Florida. She also loved a good sale, talking on the telephone and any excuse for Trefzger’s cake.

She will be dearly missed by her family, friends both young and old, and all who knew her.

We would like to thank the amazing Restmor staff for their wonderful and loving care of our loved one.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery.

For those wishing to remember Barb, donations may be made to Apostolic Christian Restmor, 1500 Parkside Ave., Morton, IL 61550 or TAPS, 100 Taps Ln., Pekin, IL 61554.

Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com