JoAnn Vera (Ballien) Graffam

JoAnn Vera (Ballien) Graffam was born June 22, 1942 in Saginaw, Michigan and died peacefully on May 11, 2024 in her Windham, Maine home with her daughters by her side. JoAnn was the youngest of three siblings, born to Winfred William and Vera Leona (Beyersdorf) Ballien. She often recalled the story of her father and brother teaching her to drive a farm truck at a very young age and was proud of her mother’s award-winning cake baking skills. Upon graduation from Arthur Hill High School in 1960, she went to work in an upholstery shop and gained many skills, which she carried with her into adulthood as a very talented seamstress and quilter. As a free-spirited young woman, JoAnn adventured off on her own, leaving everything behind to explore the Down East coast of Maine and eventually settled on Highland Lake. Never one to be idle, she was doing yard work when she met her future husband. They wed on June 23, 1973 at Zion Lutheran Church in Michigan. Together they built their lakeside camp into a home, where they raised their two girls. As a family, they enjoyed tenting and canoeing at Abol Bridge Campground. JoAnn would take the girls blueberry picking for hours, outlasting both of them every time. She only got herself lost, tipped the canoe, and encountered a bear once during all of those summers. JoAnn prided herself on being a hard-working farmer. She raised animals, gardened, and tackled any project that needed attention. JoAnn sewed many Halloween costumes and clothing for her daughters and was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, sharing her various skills. Her grandchildren brought her unmeasurable joy and she spoke of them fondly every chance she got. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook, Maine where she made many life-long friendships. JoAnn enjoyed 30 years with her beloved Bunco group, joining them each month in a spirited night of friendship and fun. JoAnn was predeceased by her husband, Walter. She is survived by her daughter Leona Vera of Windham, daughter Jessica Smith (Bryan) of Plymouth, three grandchildren Ilse, Mallory, and Parker, one brother Elton, one sister Jean, and her nieces and nephew. She will be greatly missed by all. Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 1pm Trinity Lutheran Church 612 Main Street Westbrook, Maine 04092 followed by a private graveside ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

JoAnn Vera (Ballien) Graffam

June 22, 1942 - May 11, 2024

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