Katherine Marie Graff

Katherine, often referred to as Kathy, was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania on December 9th, 1944. She was raised by parents Aldean and Stanley Bataski in a loving home, along with her brother Stanley Bataski Jr. Her childhood instilled her with values of hard work, determination, and loyalty that she carried on to her friends, family, and children.

Katherine was known by her friends and family for being a force of nature. She loved fiercely, laughed heartily, and lived life to the fullest every single day. Katherine was undoubtedly one tough lady, and could often be seen exercising, mowing the lawn, and moving furniture well into her seventies. She had a taste for Guinness beer, good literature, and Italian food. Her moral fiber, strength of character, and witty sense of humour left a lasting impact on everyone who knew and loved her.

Katherine graduated Bradford Area High School at the age of seventeen, and went on to have a career in teaching and school administration. Katherine spent many years on Bradford’s city council, serving her hometown. She petitioned for many changes, and with hardwork and determination, saw many come to fruition.  Katherine was a frequent blood donor, and also volunteered to work for Meals on Wheels during her retirement. She dedicated the majority of her life to helping others and making a difference in her community. 

Katherine had a son, Andrew Graff, and a daughter, Jennifer Graff. She raised her children in Bradford with her former husband, Michael Graff. Katherine was a loving and devoted mother. She never missed a basketball game, a track meet, or a birthday. Katherine left her children with a lifetime of memories consisting of homemade meals, tight hugs, and unconditional love. 

In 2008, Katherine moved to Athens, Georgia, to help raise her twin grandchildren, Beatrice and Charles. She was affectionately dubbed, “Grammy,” by the twins, and played a profound part in their upbringing. Katherine was a consistent, stable, and active presence in their lives. She shared a close bond with each grandchild, and went above and beyond as a Grandmother at a level that is rarely matched. Katherine dedicated her retirement to helping raise her grandchildren and shaping them into the people they are today.

Katherine’s legacy is that of unconditional love, devotion to her family, laughter, grit, and toughness. Her values of family, loyalty, kindness, dependability, and friendship continue to live on in all of those who love her. Katherine’s absence will be felt by all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.

Katherine is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Graff, her son, Andrew Graff, her grandson, Charles Graff, her granddaughter, Beatrice Graff, her brother, Stan Bateski Jr. and her nephews: Stan Bateski lll, and Steven Bateski.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Aldean Bateski, father, Stanley Bateski, and former husband, Michael Graff.

Private memorial services will be held by Katherine’s family.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.