Lillian Graff Turjanica

Lillian Graff Turjanica passed away peacefully with family at her side September 28, 2015 in Kingston, New York following a brief illness.

Lillian was born December 11, 1924 to Leonard and Marie Janashak in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Cleveland Heights High School and later attended Western Reserve University. Lillian excelled in roller skating and continued skate dancing well into her 70's. and ball room dancing into her 90s.

While working for General Electric in the 1940's she modeled, was featured in their national advertisements and made publicity appearances with the spokesperson of General Electric Theater, Ronald Reagan, the first of five Presidents she personally met.

She married Wayne O. Graff in 1945 and they had two sons, Wayne and Douglas. After her husband's death in 1955, she married Michael Turjanica with whom she celebrated 52 years of marriage prior to his death in 2009.

She was a dedicated homemaker who maintained an active interest in politics serving for nearly 60 years in various capacities as the long term President of the Lyndhurst Republican Club and Ward leader. In the 1980s she was elected Lyndhurst Councilperson-at-Large.

She served as a Deacon of the Lyndhurst Presbyterian Church and officer of the Cleveland Counsel of Church Women United. Lillian was appointed an honorary Colonel in the Civil Defense Program in the 1950's and initiated and directed Church, community and YMCA programs in child care, water safety and swimming. She traveled widely with her husband Michael and his World War II Timberwolves Division and was National Secretary of the "Rosie the Riveter" organization in the 1990's.

In addition to her sons, she is survived by four grandchildren, Michael Graff, Thomas Graff, David Graff and Gloria Graff. and two special daughters in law, Barbara Graff and Heather Sheehan Graff. The family expresses their deep appreciation to and affection for her devoted caretaker Gwendolyn Jernigan who made her last years so enjoyable. Lillian's open and friendly Buckeye charm and energy was an inspiration to all those around her.

A celebration of her life will be held at the A. Carr & Son Funeral Home 65 Lucas Avenue Kingston New York Friday, October 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the "Rotary Community Service Corp." (a 501c3 organization) for application to the Alzheimer/Dementia Action Group, P.O. Box 3581, Kingston, NY 12402 in Lillian's honor. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.KeyserCarr.com