Patricia Ann Graham

Graham, Patricia A. (nee Gilman), 85, of Wauwatosa, WI was born to eternal life on Friday, June 1, 2018, after a tragic auto accident. Beloved mother of Lisa (John) Brott and Geoffrey (Renata) Graham. Cherished grandmother of Kathryn (Douglas) Lebda, Bradley Graham, Sarah (Frederic) Payen, Julianne Graham, and William Graham. Adoring great-grandmother of Luke, and Zoey Lebda and Charlotte, Matthew and Margot Payen. Dear sister of Marie (Clem) Hudziak. Patricia was also loved by many relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her precious daughter, Paula Hardy, her brother Guy Gilman, and sisters Gladys May Wentworth and Jeanne Tech.

Patricia was born into a faith filled, loving, family in the close-knit farm community of Plover, WI. She was a stellar pupil in her one room schoolhouse, a 4H club member and showed artistic gifts at an early age, painting gorgeous Iris at age 10. The beauty of the trees and fresh flowers in every room in their home were her inspiration.

Patricia earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from the WI State Teachers college, now UW-Milwaukee. She married and was a loving mother of 3 in addition to having a 31 year career teaching art using many media in several Milwaukee Public Schools. Following retirement from James Madison High School, Patricia fulfilled her dream of showing and sharing her love of art by painting in her studios/galleries in Downtown Milwaukee for 25 years.  She earned many awards including at the Charles Allis Art Museum and is exhibited nationally. She also generously volunteered her many art talents with her gallery talks, including to her church Spirituality Group and the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which she was a 52 year member. Patricia also served as a church school teacher for 12 years at Kingsley Methodist Church.

Patricia was an active member of Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church and loved her church family dearly. She was active in the Wauwatosa Artists Workshop and retired Educators luncheon group. Pat was a patron of many Milwaukee theatre groups, enjoyed the Milwaukee Symphony, Art Museum and loved music, especially opera. Pat valued education highly and was a voracious reader of her many literature, history, spiritual and art books. She made sure her grandchildren received books as gifts, exquisitely wrapped. She loved digging in the soil having planted seeds as a child and had such a reverence for all of the miraculous natural world. She sewed beautiful garments and did lovely calligraphy for church Bibles and DAR certificates.

Patricia touched many lives as a mother, grandmother, inspiring teacher, volunteer and talented passionate artist. Many students have returned to visit her and tell her what she meant to them.  Two of her granddaughters were supported and inspired to become teachers who make a difference too.  Her family’s numerous best memories include her support and loving presence at every important and happy occasion and her walking with us through our challenges as well. Her grandchildren will forever treasure the fun times of their painting and book times together, being surprised with favorite sewn costumes, coming to her gallery nights, receiving handwritten beautiful letters from grandma, sharing her love of poetry and artists, apple cider popsicles from the farmers market, hayrides, her super special pies with SS carved on top and her hearty laugh.

Patricia lived a purpose-driven life continually learning, creating and sharing her love of all of the arts with dignity, elegance and a grateful heart. In the words of one of her favorite artists, Henry Matisse, “there are always flowers for those who want to see them.” Patricia brought a rare sensitivity, tender heart and kindness to this world and made everything she touched more beautiful. She will be deeply missed by those blessed enough to have been loved by her. We wish we had more time together. She truly made the time to make us all feel valued!

Pat left her masterpieces, her love and memories of her here on earth. We look forward to a blessed reunion in heaven with her and with our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Memorials may be made to her church or the charity of your choice.

Your prayers and support are appreciated.

Visitation at Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church, 1529 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM. Memorial Service at 2:30 PM.