PORTLAND – Virginia M. Graham, 84, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 13, with family at her side at The Cedars in Portland.

She was born in Kenduskeag on Nov. 26, 1922, the daughter of Percy S. and Clara (Pearson) Ames.

Virginia was a graduate of Brewer High School, class of 1940.

On Nov. 16, 1941, she married James H. Graham. Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1953, they returned to Maine where they made their home and raised their family.

She retired from the Singer Company in 1982, and continued to work for several years at Penobscot Savings Bank as a loans officer.

In the early 1960s, Virginia and James were instrumental in the organization of the first Lutheran church in Bangor, and were charter members of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

She continued to be very active in the Lutheran Church women’s group for many years, as well as several community volunteer and senior citizen activities.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to being known for her culinary skills, she was an avid reader, accomplished pianist, seamstress and gardener.

She loved spending time outdoors with family, friends and grandchildren, as well as quiet time with her cat, “Ginger.” Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

She will be lovingly remembered for her dedication and devotion to her family, her quiet inner strength, and quick wit.

She is survived by her six children, daughter, Donna Bergquist and her husband, Carl, of Dunwoody, Ga.; son, James Jr. and his wife, Carlene, of Pownal; daughter, Diana Olsen and her husband, Herbert, of Otisfield; daughter, Patricia Gelinas and her husband, Gregory, of Portland; son, Ronald and his wife, Dianne, of Coral Springs, Fla.; and son, Donald and his wife, Lesley, of Hampden; eight grandchildren, Kevin and Scott Bergquist, James Graham III, Andrew and Stephanie Gelinas, Elizabeth and Connor Graham, Katherine Graham; a great-granddaughter, Finn Bergquist; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 21 years, James, who passed away Aug. 26, 1962; her parents; two sisters, Pauline Ames and Arlene Brown; and grandson, Joel Graham.

The family wishes to thank the very dedicated and skilled staff at The Cedars Skilled Care Center for their compassion, care and support.