WATERTOWN, NY — Katherine Graffi, 99, formerly of Watertown, passed away on March 28, 2024, at the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, New York.
She was born on Feb. 21, 1925, in Gross Schogen, Romania, to the late Michael and Maria (Thot) Schneider. Katherine immigrated from Romania to Austria with her family in 1944, eventually settling in Watertown in 1951.
She worked diligently throughout her life, starting with cleaning homes upon her arrival in Watertown, working in the kitchen at the Brown Shanty on Mill Street, and later joining Car-Freshner Corporation until her retirement in 1987.
Katherine was married twice, first to Edward Roberts with whom she had three children, and then to Johann Graffi, with whom she had two children before he passed away in 1971.
She was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church where she helped out with their annual German suppers.
Katherine is survived by her three children, Katherine and Deacon Thomas Sharrow of Schenectady, New York, Martin and Juanita Graffi of California, Rosemarie and Richard Primmer of Florida, a daughter-in-law, Margie Roberts of Illinois; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two children, Edward Roberts and Richard Roberts, as well as three brothers, Martin, Michael and John Schneider; and two sisters, Maria Grampas and Rosina Schatz.
Calling hours will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Hart and Bruce Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will take place at North Watertown Cemetery immediately afterward.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church 818 Arsenal St., Watertown, NYÂ 13601.
Online condolences can be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.