Obituary of Hanna Graff

Mrs. Hanna Graff, a resident of the Summerville area, died Friday, November 15, at her home.

Born in 1944 in the Bronx, New York to the late David and Frieda Semelmacher, Hanna went to PS33, EBB Middle School, and Walton High School. An avid book reader, Hanna taught herself to read at a very young age, devouring books, and studying more than anyone else. Hanna received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hunter College in 1965, graduating with honors including receiving the invitation to become a member of The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the most prestigious honor society recognizing academic excellence.

Hanna met Eugene, her husband of 55 years, on Grand Avenue when she was 10 years old. At first, she was not permitted to date Eugene because he was four years her senior, but eventually when she turned 16, they started dating. They were married in 1964.

After finishing college, Hanna briefly worked as a middle school teacher before becoming a customer service trainer for the Bell System. In 1968, she left the telephone company when she became pregnant with her first daughter, Elissa. Then in 1971, she had her second child, Scott and in 1973, she had her third child, Jennifer. Rather than return to work, Hanna stayed home to raise her children. She enjoyed close relationships with the neighbors in Cedar Grove, NJ and after the family moved to Lexington, KY, she again formed ties and lifelong friendships. Once the children were in college, Hanna and Eugene moved to Bethlehem, PA and Tupelo, MS where Hanna found more friends through her neighborhood walks, garden work, and reading groups. Then in 2013, Hanna and Eugene moved to Summerville, SC.

Hanna is survived by her husband, Eugene Graff, her Aunt, Miriam Feller, her brother and his wife Jay and Diane Semelmacher, her three children Elissa Graff, Scott Graff, and Jennifer Lawrence and her husband Kevin, and her three grandchildren Rachel Graff, Sarah Graff and Sebastian Foxx Lawrence.

Hanna’s life was spent in service to her husband, children, and grandchildren whom she loved and whose lives she touched deeply. Hanna requested that no service be held, but Eugene will receive visitors in his home, 547 Tranquil Waters Way, on Thursday evening between 5-7pm and Friday afternoon, between 1-3pm.

PLEASE HONOR THE FAMILY'S WISHES AND DO NOT SEND FLOWERS TO THE HOME.

The family encourages donations in Hanna’s memory to either of her passions, reading or gardening, and recommends support to any early reading program such as the Dorchester County First Steps to School Readiness Partnership or the planting of a tree or flowering bush in her honor.