PEABODY – Mrs. Jacqueline Elise (Gagnon) Graf, passed away Thursday, June 1st, 2023, two weeks before what would have been her 77th birthday. Jackie, also affectionately known in the family as Dee Dee, was born in Salem, Mass., and was the beloved daughter of the late Roland F. Sr., and Jacqueline C. (Rawson) Gagnon. She is survived by her husband Austin P. Graf, Jr. with whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Jackie was raised and educated in Peabody, Mass., and graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School. She then attended Salem State University, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor's degree in education, focusing on early childhood education. She taught one year of second grade at St. Margaret's School in Beverly Farms, Mass. In 1970 she and Austin moved to South Deerfield, Mass., where Jackie was a highly regarded, much loved and sought-after second grade teacher. She retired in 2004 after a 34-year career.

In her younger years, Jackie enjoyed bowling, tennis, skiing, and golf. A member of the Oak Ridge Golf Club in Gill, Mass., Jackie was the female club champion for five consecutive years. She enjoyed camping and boating, and motor-home trips to Lake George and Florida. She also displayed considerable artistic talent in oil painting and stained glass, and much of her work today graces the homes of friends and family.

Having a caring nature and love of family, Jackie served for many years as a caregiver to her mother and, later, for her father. Jackie regretted having to leave many wonderful friends behind when she and Austin eventually chose to return to Peabody to be closer to their families.

In addition to her husband, Jackie is survived by her siblings; Roger A. Gagnon of Groveland, MA, Roland F. Gagnon, Jr. and his wife, Sheron J. of Summerfield, Fl., Carol A. Karalow and her husband, Dr. Wayne of Danvers, and Kathleen E. Roach and her husband, Jim of Leola, AR.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass which will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 17 Chestnut St, Peabody on Wednesday, June 7th, at 10 A.M., please meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 226 North St., Salem. Visiting hours will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS, on Tuesday, June 6th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jackie's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/