Gertrude (DOLLY) M. DeGraff

We are sad to announce the passing of Gertrude “DOLLY” M. DeGraff. Dolly passed away on November 28, 2022, in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the age of 98.

“Dolly” was born on May 23, 1924, in Long Island City, New York. Her Dad nicknamed her Dolly early in life and it stuck. (She was only called Gertrude by people who didn't know her.)

Dolly is preceded in death by her husband, William J. DeGraff. They married on June 8, 1947 and enjoyed many years together.

Dolly is survived by her children; William J. DeGraff, Jr. (Suzanne DiBenedetto),
Trudy Ann DeGraff (Richard M. Pfeiffer); after Richard passed away, Trudy married (David L. Caffey).

Dolly is also survived by her grandchildren (from Bill and Suzanne); Christopher DeGraff (Susan Lesmerisis), Andrea (DeGraff) Herzog (Brett Herzog), Katie (DeGraff) Sherr (Kenny Sherr); and her great grandchildren; Gregory Lesmerisis-DeGraff, Nicholas Lesmerisis-DeGraff, Samantha Lesmerisis-DeGraff, Lucas Herzog, Natalie Herzog, Quentin Sherr, and Darcy Sherr.

Dolly was a very kind, loving person always willing to help others. She considered everyone she met a friend.

She volunteered at many places throughout her life, the last being Los Volcanes Senior Center. She grew up in Long Island City, New York and raised her family in Deer Park, New York. She moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico for her husband's job. Dolly loved to travel and traveled the US full time in a 5th Wheel for 8 years. She settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Dolly loved hot air balloons and the Balloon Fiesta and crewed for her daughter's balloon at the fiesta for many years! She loved her many pets including birds, dogs, and cats. Dolly's celebrations were many. Some notable milestones included: She celebrated her 50th Anniversary on an Alaskan Cruise, she celebrated her 80th birthday in Ireland where she visited her grandparents farm, she celebrated her 85th birthday in Rome and had an audience with the Pope, and even traveled to New York for her 91st birthday to see her great grandchildren.

Dolly was loved by many and will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Dolly’s name to your favorite charity.