Kathleen B. Graff, 89, of Washington, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, August 28, 2023. She was born on November 15, 1933, in Weirton, WV, a daughter of the late Ralph and Cloma Helen Barone. Kathleen graduated from Mount DeChantal 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, 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 officers established a Little Theater Group. Kathleen performed the lead in You Can’t Take It With You and 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.

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 Oakes 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 interest included reading, attending education lectures, traveling, studying music, and cooking and baking.

Surviving is her beloved son, James J. Barrett; her dear husband, Donald J. Graff; a step-daughter, Cindy (Brett) Keefer; step-grandchildren, Brett Keefer 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.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at E. Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director, Park N. Crosier, Director. A prayer service will be held at 9:00 A.M. on Friday, September 1, 2023 in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in the Immaculate Conception Church, St. James Parish, 119 West Chestnut St. Washington, PA, with the Rev. Mike Zavage as celebrant. Entombment will follow at the Washington Cemetery, Garden Mausoleum. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com

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