Otilia Cerisola Graham

Otilia Cerisola Graham, age 97, passed away on January 26, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. Born on February 10, 1928, in Mexico City, she was the beloved daughter of Pedro Cerisola Salcido and María Luisa Benvenutti Almada.

Otilia was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Oswald (“Red”) H. Graham, a veterinarian, with whom she shared a life rooted in family. They loved one another.

The daughter of an ambassador, Otilia brought her children knowledge of the wider world. Gifted with languages, social grace, and abiding kindness, she deeply engaged with people and was embraced. She was a great friend. She was a lifelong practicing Catholic, gifted with faith. It made her courageous.

As a mother, she remains unsurpassed. Every day we saw the world through the prism of her knowledge. An incredible chef, every night she brought the world to our little stomachs! As children, she met us with love in the morning and as she tucked us in at night. We grew stronger in our understanding of the world. She prepared us for the world with complete devotion.

Otilia is survived by her brother, Pedro Cerisola Benvenutti, and her sister, Lorenza Cerisola Shandy; by her children: Peter T. Graham, Elizabeth L. Graham, Alexander M. Graham, and Richard D. Graham; and by many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will carry her memory forward with pride and love.

She was an angel on earth and now is in Heaven.