Vanessa Kehau Lee Graham

Vanessa Kehau Mei Ling Lee Graham - Obituary She was born April 29, 1953 to Sam Yit Lee and Isabel N. Lee in Honolulu, Hawaii. She passed away in her sleep at her home in Sterling, Virginia on February 20, 2021 after a courageous battle against lung cancer. She leaves behind her devoted husband David Graham and their dog Harlee; sisters Maude Lee (Brian Hattery), Diane Scharfen (Jonathan Scharfen), and brother Kory Lee (Kimianne Lee). Vanessa began her primary education at Hongwangji Mission School in Nuuanu, Hawaii, where her mother was an elementary school teacher, and continued it later at Waianae Elementary School. She was a proud graduate of Waianae High School and George Mason University where she earned a degree in Education. Vanessa moved to northern Virginia in 1970 with her family when her father accepted a job at the Washington Navy Yard. Early in her career she was employed by the Air Transport Association (ATA) and the Council on Library Research and World Resources, Inc., supporting the administration of their offices. Vanessa worked several years for the Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) System where she supported their Science Program, which included the annual Science Fair and Science Olympiad projects. She enlisted her husband and siblings to volunteer for those annual events from setup to judging science experiments and awarding trophies to the student finalists. She retired from the FCPS System in 2019 while supporting the office testing software used to assist teachers of Special Needs students. She loved children and doted on her nieces Anna Scharfen Ramon (Alex Ramon) and Sophie Hattery and nephews, Charles Scharfen, Troy Scharfen, Jason Lee (Emily Folkman), Nick Lee and Christopher Lee. Vanessa was happy to see Anna Scharfen marry Alex Ramon and was glad to know they were about to have a baby, Isabel Nalani Ramon. She was also glad to see Jason Lee marry Emily and was thrilled to hold their newborn Hunter Kai Lee. While single she volunteered in the foster mother program sponsored by Fairfax County. She also volunteered at the foodbanks in Northern Virginia. Vanessa enthusiastically supported her nieces and nephews in all their endeavors as they grew into adulthood. She attended numerous events at their schools, attended their basketball, football, field hockey, and lacrosse games, watched their musical performances, and attended their high school and college graduations. Vanessa established an annual Christmas tradition by taking them together for a shopping trip to let them select their own Christmas presents and by treating them to a meal at a restaurant. She patiently waited for them to comb through the shopping mall while they decided on their Christmas gift. Vanessa loved dogs and, as a young girl, showed one of several family Dalmatians at dog shows in Hawaii. She owned and cared for several dogs during her lifetime. Without hesitation she dog sat for her father, sisters, and brother when they were away on vacation. She enjoyed international travel when she was employed by the ATA, travelling to numerous countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Her parents were also able to enjoy the ATA benefit and traveled together with her on various occasions. Her dad was disappointed when she decided to accept a job with a different company, but she continued to travel whenever possible, including two trips to Venice, Italy. Another hobby that brought her much enjoyment was the excitement of owning and riding Harley Davidsons. She and her husband were active in several H.O.G. events and were active members and officers of the Patriot H.O.G. chapter in Fairfax, Virginia. She had a near death accident while on a H.O.G. sponsored ride near Roanoke, Virginia. After major surgery and months of rehabilitation, she recovered from her serious injuries. Also surviving Vanessa are her cousins, Scott Young, Chris Young, Candice Young, Darwin Young, Liane Young, Stephanie Yuen, and Kevin Yuen. In addition to her loving family, she leaves behind several dear friends, Jan Higa Oyama, Brigitte Luu, Debbie Karash, and Marybeth Dolan. Her remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on July 29,2022.