KATHLEEN BARONE GRAFF

Kathleen Barone Graff, 89, of Washington, PA passed away peacefully on Monday August 28, 2023. She was born at home on November 15, 1933, in Hollidays Cove (now Weirton, WV) a daughter of the late Ralph and Cloma Helen Barone. Starting at Weir High, Kathleen graduated from Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy in Wheeling, WV. After graduation from “The Mount,” she enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in political science and languages. While attending Pitt, Kathleen was a member of the German Club and Chi Omega Sorority. She performed in the annual Spring Festivals held at the university. Upon graduation from Pitt, in 1955, Kathleen worked for her father at Barone Realty Company and in the evenings attended the College of Steubenville (now Franciscan University) in Steubenville, OH. Upon completion of her studies there, she applied for and was accepted at the Officers Candidates School in Newport, RI, where she received basic training. Kathleen graduated as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Her first assignment was a cryptographer at the U.S. Naval Amphibious Academy in Little Creek, VA, where she was the first female officer ever stationed there. While at Little Creek, she and a number of other Naval personnel established a Little Theater Group. Kathleen performed the lead in You Can’t Take It With You as Laura. From Little Creek, she was assigned to the Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, IL. There, Kathleen was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and worked in the Admiral’s office as a Mobilization Planning Officer by day and a cryptographer at night. Her real intent in joining the Navy was to see the world. Other than a visit to her father’s home town in Italy, her only trip overseas was to Japan as an exchange school teacher.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, she taught elementary school on a substitute basis in the Round Lake and Wilmette area, before teaching full-time in Northbrook, IL. Kathleen returned to the Pittsburgh area where she enrolled at Duquesne University and received her teaching certification in Pennsylvania. She taught in the Keystone Oaks School District from which she retired in 1995. Kathleen then did substitute teaching in the Trinity School District. She loved her family dearly. Kathleen’s interests included reading, attending education lectures, traveling, studying music, and cooking and baking. She was an accomplished pianist.

Surviving is her beloved son, James J. Barrett; her dear husband, Donald J. Graff; a step-daughter, Cindy (Brett) Keefer; step- grandchildren, Brett Keefer Jr. and Heather Graff; a brother, John Barone; a sister, Denese Barone Ellis; and step-daughter- in-law, Kathy Graff. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a step-son, Donald J. Graff, Jr.; a brother, Ralph Barone; and a sister-in-law, Patty Barone.

Viewing was held on August 31, 2023, at the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home on Wilson Avenue, Washington PA. Burial is at the Washington Cemetery, Washington PA.

Condolences may be expressed at www. WarcoFalvoFuneral Home.com.