Vivian Adeline Yeakle Graham
1931-2024
Vivian Adeline Yeakle Graham, (93) of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away peacefully in her “Big Brown Chair,” at home as she wished. Vivian is preceded in death by her parents, William Ernest and Myrtle (Brubaker) Yeakle, Brother Robert Carl Yeakle, Sister-in-Law Elizabeth Boyd Yeakle, Husband Lenwood Paul (Buddy) Graham, a beloved local postman, and her only son, Kevin Lynn Graham. Vivian is survived by her sister, June Clopper-Himes, of Williamsport, Md., and Grand-dog Callie.
Vivian was born in Little Cove, Pa., and was a graduate of Hancock High School, Class of 1949. She attended her 75th class reunion in August 2024, which was held at the Cacapon State Park, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. She married her husband “Buddy” in 1952, and they raised their only son, Kevin, in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.
Vivian was always a fireball of energy, always busy – sometimes lamenting her lot in life to “always plod along the path of duty, structure, and routine…never taking a break because there was always so much to do.” She was drawn, however, to people who knew how to laugh and play! And this played out most of her life.
Vivian was most proud of the leadership she provided to the Hancock 4-H Club during World War II. She often spoke of the rationing and scarcity of simple things we take for granted these days. She became an avid gardener, seamstress (making gowns and shirts out of a parachute sent to her from Guam), and an astute home economist. These attributes were rewarded when she represented her 4 H Club at the National 4-H Convention in 1948. Some 1.7 million boys and girls from 80,000 4-H Clubs came to Chicago to help win the war, learn to be scientific farmers and good citizens. Seventy-four million quarts of food were canned to support the war effort and to address food shortages at home. Vivian canned 84 quarts of vegetables she cultivated from the garden she planted down past the cherry tree at her home in Hancock, Md. Vivian’s experiences and leadership in the 4-H were foundational in her clerical and accounting work for Potomac Edison, CNB Bank, as well as at home as a loving, committed wife and mother to Buddy and Kevin. Vivian remained active in many civic activities and was known by many as vocal, strong, and passionate about doing the right thing for her community.
Vivian never forgot her humble beginnings in Little Cove, Pa. and the important relationships she formed at the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. Many of her family members are buried and memorialized there. The Yeakle Family donated a stained-glass window to the church. She loved the Homecoming celebrations and renewing of relationships each year. Vivian will be inurned alongside her husband and son, and among her generations of family, at the Mt. Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Vivian loved her family physician and wife, Dr. Andrew Berens and Phyllis for their support and care for nearly 25 years. Dr. Berens always brought a smile to her face. The ongoing battle for which is the best ice cream to eat will now have to be taken up by someone other than Patient 65! She had many special friends and relatives, but her lifelong friend Glorious Sagle (since First Grade) called every day, sometimes twice to check on Vivian and bring her news of Berkeley Springs. She was especially thankful to her care team – Terri Bliziotes, Lorraine Mazerolle, Brenda Delbaugh, Kathy Morgan, Debby Berkey, Emily Bliziotes, and Dianna Wilt – all of whom made sure Vivian lived her life to the fullest until the end. Of course, Vivian kept a busy schedule of lunch outings, church gatherings, doctor appointments, and shopping. She sought out Sheetz hotdogs, cream of crab soup, and DQ sundaes at every opportunity.
She always appreciated the spontaneous prayer and visits Dick Voorhaar brought into her home. She is very thankful for her neighbors who on many occasions mowed lawns, performed home repairs, and took care of her home when she was not able. She especially appreciated Bradley’s visits and his father, Josh – for their kindness. She was glad for the regular canine visits and phone chats with Callie and Sarge.
She loved hearing from her step-grandchildren, Whitney Durr-Harshman and Tyler Durr, as well as the many extended and distant relatives who stopped in periodically. She carefully followed the success of the Jukebox, a champion dressage show horse, her late son and fiancé, Megan Sullivan shared. She spent hours filling her head with memories of her life and people she loved – often sharing stories of times past. She left this world with many great memories of a well lived and full life.
There will be a celebration of Vivian’s life at the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Little Cove, Pa. on October 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. Please no covered dish. Bring a favorite memory of this wonderful woman. A small gathering for local friends at her home in Berkeley Springs is planned for a date in the near future.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Vivian wished everyone would keep her spark, spunk, and hope alive by planting flowers and vegetables to share with those in need or who are hurting. She wished everyone would remember “Our best day is the one we are living,” and to always pray for another chance to make the next day better!
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.