Sharon McGraw, sister-in-law of Fr. Rene McGraw ’53 Posted

Sharon M. McGraw, 69, passed away at 12:20 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at RelaisBonne Eau Hospice House in Edwardsville.

She was born on June 10, 1945 in New Ulm, Minnesota, the daughter of Enon A. and Rosella M. (Geslin) Olson.   She married Joseph McGraw on March 16, 1967 in Watertown, SD. He survives.  Sharon was a homemaker. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto, where she was a member of the Altar Guild, the Ladies Auxiliary, the luncheon committee and ushered with her husband. She was a member of PEO and the Bethalto Women’s Club. Sharon, a Girl Scout leader, volunteered at the school and the Hope Center in Cottage Hills. She was very outgoing and social and she enjoyed Bunco, bowling, playing cards, traveling and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Her happiest moments were spent with her family and friends. Sharon had a unique ability to touch the lives of all who knew her.  In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children and their spouses, Michelle and Mike Oliver of Rogersville, MO, Sean and Marsha McGraw of O’Fallon, MO and Missy and David Gehrke of St. Charles, MO; her grandchildren, Matt, Megan, Dylan, Ryan and a granddaughter on the way; a brother, Randy Olson of Richfield, MN; a sister-in-law, Mary Lambert of Milford, CT; a brother-in-law, Father Rene McGraw of Collegeville, MN and her nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.   A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Monday, March 2, 2015 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto with Father Rene McGraw officiating.  Memorials may be made to the Hope Center, Siteman Cancer Center or the Peace Studies at St. John’s University.