Bernice "Bernie" Graf

Bernice “Bernie” Graf, passed away at The Towne House on December 2, 2022. She was 88 years old. Born in Richfield, Pennsylvania, Bernie grew up on a family farm and attended the town’s two-room schoolhouse until ninth grade, after which she needed to take a nearly 40-mile roundtrip bus ride to attend high school. In 1955, she graduated from The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. While at Penn, she met her future husband, Bob, and the two were married for 51 years until his passing in 2008. Bernie worked as a Registered Nurse in Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. before she and Bob moved to Fort Wayne in 1969. She continued to work as a nurse until her husband’s career took the pair away from Fort Wayne in 1985. In 1993, she and Bob returned to Fort Wayne and spent the rest of their lives in their adopted hometown. Bernie was, for many years, a proud member of The PEO Sisterhood, an international philanthropic organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide. Her other passions included her book club, playing bridge, and time spent with friends and family. She is survived by her son, Mark Graf; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Graf; and grandson, Foster Graf. Bernie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Graf; brother, Richard Garman; and sister, Janet Shirk. In keeping with Bernie’s wishes, a private family service will be held. Donations may be made in memory of Bernie to The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education at the following address: donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-pce.