Sallie Cappa Graham

She was born in Evanston, Illinois on January 2, 1937, to loving parents Lawrence Bart Cappa and Margaret Stoner Cappa. Sallie grew up in Park Ridge, Joliet, and Dixon, Illinois.

Following high school graduation in Dixon, she attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, graduating in 1959, with a degree in education. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi social sorority and various campus academic and honorary organizations. As a freshman, she met her beloved husband of 62 years, Hugh “Cracker” Graham, and they married August 8, 1959 in Dixon. Following Cracker’s graduation from law school, they returned to his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, where they lived for 62 years while raising their three daughters. During this time, Sallie was a member of a variety of community organizations including the Junior League, Family Service Center, Springfield Art Association, St. John’s Samaritans, Progress Circle of King’s Daughters, PEO of chapter EQ, and the Blessed Sacrament School Association. Her personal groups included the Sunnyside Literary Circle, Wise Investment Club, Bridge Club, and mah jongg. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for over 50 years. Her focus was always family, immediate and extended, and her many valued friends.

Sallie is survived by Cracker, her loving husband of 62 years; their three daughters and their families, Betsy Weber of Park Hills, Kentucky; her children, Maggie (Kyle McGrail), Nick, and Lily, and granddaughter, Nellie; Laurel (Paul) Burke of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and their children, Hugh, Henry, and Samantha; and Susan (Dr. J. David) Cross of Springfield, Illinois and their children, Graham, Isabel, and Agnes Clare; two brothers-in law, Philip (Carol) Graham and Dr. Donald (Pat) Graham; and special sister, Dr. Laurel Cappa of Washington, DC and many extended family members in Springfield, Chicago and South Dakota.

Memorial Gathering and Memorial Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield. A Memorial Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant.

Sallie’s body has been donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Foundation, 800 East Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769; Blessed Sacrament Grade School, 748 W. Laurel St., Springfield, IL 62704; or St. Patrick’s Grade School, 1800 S. Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62703. The school memorials will be used for scholarship aid.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.