Elizabeth Graeb

Elizabeth Graeb of East Setauket, N.Y., passed on to Heaven on February 23, 2012. She was 79.

She was born to Robert and Elizabeth (Baker) Hand in Greenport, N.Y., on February 7, 1933. Affectionately known as “BJ” to all her friends and former co-workers, she was a lifelong resident of Long Island.

BJ graduated from Hempstead High School in June 1950. Upon graduation, she attended Cortland State Teachers College, graduating in August 1953. During her time at Cortland, BJ became a proud member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority.

Always eager to learn, BJ went on to earn her Master of Science degree from Long Island University in May 1973.

BJ worked in the Uniondale School District for 44 years as a teacher and guidance counselor, retiring in June 1997. Upon retirement, she moved back to her birthing roots in Southold, N.Y.

Volunteer work was an important part of BJ’s life, spending countless hours with the Church of the Redeemer in Mattituck, ELIH Auxiliary, Southold Historical Society, North Fork Chorale and Southold CAST.
BJ loved nature, flowers, gardening and all the beauty and peacefulness that the North Fork offers.

Viewing will be at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold on Friday, March 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. A burial service will be held on Saturday, March 3, at 10 a.m. at Willow Hill Cemetery in Southold.

Memorial donations in BJ’s name may be sent to the North Fork Animal Shelter.

This is a paid notice.