Jean Graziano

Jean Graziano, 84, of Eastham, MA, left us peacefully October 18, 2015, after a brave fight with cancer. Born September 10, 1931 in Murphy, Mississippi, she met her husband Fred the day after her 21st birthday while he was stationed in Biloxi, MS (US Air Force). They were married December 3, 1952 and moved to Connecticut. She adjusted to life in New England by making friends and volunteering for neighbors and charity organizations. Her volunteer activities lasted her whole life. After 20 summers spent camping on Cape Cod, Fred and Jean retired to a home they built there in 1985. In 1993, they began splitting their time between Eastham in the summer and Yucca Valley, CA in the winter.

Jean was a talented seamstress, a creative quilter, and an amazing cook and baker, passing on her many talents to different parts of her family. She had a passion for both flower and vegetable gardening and cooked nearly everything she grew. The sandy soil of her Cape house was nourished with anniversary presents of manure, and she recycled dishwater in the desert to transplant her many cactus plants into gardens. She loved, and was an avid study of wildlife, and nature. She always had a well-thumbed birdbook next to her bed, another in the kitchen and usually one in the car, and could tell the visiting skunks and coyotes apart. While on Cape Cod in the summers, she canoed, fished, clammed, and she found the best beach rocks. The cross-country drives were mapped to pass through national parks, and she'd spend her winters hiking the desert with Fred, their friends and visitors, getting good deals at the Swap Meet, and winning big on the casino penny-slots. She could never be found without needle and thread, yarn, books, flour or dirt in her hands.

She is remembered as a strong and loving wife, mother, great grandmother (to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) and dear friend who has given us beautiful memories of wonderful times.

She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 63 years, Frederick Graziano (d. 7/21/15), their son Jerry and granddaughter Gina Graziano. She leaves daughters Connie Codner of Eastham, Debbie Warner of Luton, England and Ellen Graziano Smith of Hartland, CT and their husbands Paul, Graham and Fletcher; daughter-in-law Les Graziano of Reno, NV; grandchildren Nell Codner-Jarashow of Arnold, MD, Colin Codner of Swampscott, MA and spouses Ben and Heather; great-grandchildren Zachary Codner, Hannah and Amelia Jarashow; siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved dearly, and the frog in the shower.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean and Fred's memories to the Eastham Fire and Rescue, c/o Eastham Fireman's Association, 2520 State Highway, Eastham, MA 02642.