Obituary for Sarah “Sadie” Philomena Graham (nee O’Brien)

Sarah “Sadie” O’Brien-Graham passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday evening, July 16, 2019 at Shepherd Lodge.
She was born on August 14, 1936 in Dublin, Ireland to her parents Michael O’Brien and Mary Kenny-O’Brien.
Sadie was proceeded in death by her late husband of 59 years George “Mickey” Graham; three sisters, May O’Brien-Beggs, Martha O’Brien-Dowling, and Kathleen O’Brien-Cullen; and two brothers, Michael “Mick” O’Brien and Owen O’Brien. She is survived by her siblings William O’Brien and Margaret (Peggy) O’Brien, and by her dear cousin Clare Hegarty.
Sadie was a loving mother to Theresa Graham-Wright (Glen), Michael Graham (Jennifer), Owen Graham (Lori), James Graham (Theresa) and Jennifer Graham-Rivard (Dan). She was the beloved grandmother of 9 grandchildren, Liam, Joseph, Chloe, Sean, Ethan, Conor, Kevin, Emma and Caitlin.
Sadie was married in Dublin, Ireland, in 1960. She and Mickey moved to Belfast and had their first child there. In 1963, they moved to Toronto, Canada, where they settled. She spent many years as a homemaker, then worked as a cook for the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame for about 20 years. In her retirement, Sadie enjoyed the births of her grandchildren, who were the most precious loves of her life.
Sadie was gifted in many ways. She was a talented knitter who created beautiful work without the assistance of a pattern. Sadie was a wonderful cook, and of all her delicious recipes, she was most proud of her homemade Christmas puddings. Sadie loved creating crafts that ranged from wall hangings to full ceramic dish sets and Christmas villages. Sadie was also very musical and had a wonderful singing voice. People commented right up until her last days how she knew the words to countless songs, despite her struggles with Lewy Body dementia.
Among Sadie’s most outstanding qualities were her kindness and generosity. She was known to reach out to many people in need, and she was always ready to share whatever she had with others. She was also a very brave, resourceful and determined woman who found ways to make ends meet during her husband Mickey’s long battle with cancer that caused him to be unable to work for a long period of time. Sadie’s faith was an important part of her life, and although she was a devout Catholic, she was very open and accepting of other faiths and cultures as well. Sadie's greatest passion in life was her family. She loved and cherished all of her children and grandchildren and played a very special part in all of their lives. Sadie remembered and spoke of daily of her family in Ireland, to whom she always felt deeply connected despite the physical distance between them.
During the latter part of her life, Sadie struggled with Lewy Body dementia, and eventually had to move to Shepherd Lodge Long Term Care Home. It was here that she spent the last 11 years of her life. It was very difficult for Sadie to give up her beloved home on 8 Dixon Ave., which she longed for and spoke of often.
Sadie has now been released from the suffering brought on by her particularly severe form of dementia, and has entered her heavenly home where we know she was lovingly welcomed by her many loved ones on the other side, along with all the angels and saints that she prayed to so devotedly throughout her life. We who remain miss her very much, but we will always find solace in the countless stories, songs and memories she gave to each one of us. Sadie, Mom, Grandma, we are thankful for the gift of your wonderful life.

Friends may call at PINE HILLS CEMETERY & FUNERAL CENTRE, 625 Birchmount Rd., Scarborough (north of St. Clair Ave. E., 416-267-8229) on Sunday July 21, 2019 for Visitation from 4:00pm - 8:00pm . A Celebration of Sadie's life will be held on Monday, July 22nd, 2019 at 1:30pm, with Visitation 1 hour prior. Interment to follow at Pine Hills Cemetery. Reception will be held following the interment service at the Stone Cottage, 3750 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1J 3H5. All are very welcome to attend.