March 18, 2014
March 18, 2014
I will never forget this remarkable Catholic gentleman. It was an honor and privilege to care for him during his last days here on earth. I will always remember his kindness and humor.
This memorial website was created in memory of my beloved husband, William McGraw, who was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, faithful friend and loyal Catholic. We will remember him forever.
When we were raising our kids Bill would lead us in prayer and the rosary every night. Bill would always include, as part of our prayer petitions that we should all pray for the grace of a happy and holy death. Bills own father William had died of tuberculosis when Bill was only 11 years old. He loved his father dearly and watched his father’s death. After Bill left this earth we found the "Prayer for a Happy Death" composed by St John Newman. Since Bill had a great devotion to Cardinal Newman I believe that he knew about this prayer.
Prayer for a Happy Death
My Lord and my Savior, support me in that hour in the strong arms of Thy Sacraments, and by the fresh fragrance of Thy consolations. Let the absolving words be said over me, and the holy oil sign and seal me, and Thy Own Body be my food, and Thy Blood my sprinkling; and let my sweet Mother Mary, breathe on me, and my Angel whisper peace to me, and my glorious Saints ... smile upon me: that in them all and through them all , I may receive the gift of perseverance; and die, as I desire to live, in Thy faith, in Thy Church, in Thy service, and in Thy love. Amen
-St John Newman
This was a favorite prayer of his which he learned and taught his family to say by heart.
The Star of Morn
The star of morn tonight succeeds,
We therefore meekly pray,
May God and all our words and deeds
Keep us from harm this day
May He in love restrain us still
From tones and words of ill
And wrap around and close our eyes
To earth’s absorbing vanities
May wrath and thoughts that gender shame
Ne’re in our breast abide
And painful abstinences tame
Of wanton flesh the pride
So when the weary day is o’er
And night and stillness come once more,
Blameless and clean from spot on earth
We may repeat with reverent mirth
To God the Father glory be
And to His only Son
And to the Holy Spirit, One in Three
While endless ages run.
Tributes
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March 17, 2014
March 17, 2014
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=319555838098937&set=a.319555561432298.80029.136850246369498&type=1&theater
I posted this link at Onalee's request. The Book of Kells~ an expression of the Faith, the blood, and the humor of the land and its people. (It must be cut and pasted to a browser)
Bill was very much apart of my life. Onalee and I, colleagues at first, and soon to become great friends, spent many a day strategizing via phone about the many projects in which we were involved. No phone conversation was ever complete without Bill's sage advice and great conversation. Bill seemed to always know that I was on the other end of the line and soon a two way conversation became a conference call! I finally got to meet Bill when he accompanied Onalee to Buffalo. My husband and he got on very well. We went to Niagara Falls on what turned out to be a very grey rainy day. My husband took many pictures that day with his pride and joy a Nikon camera. He had no doubt that those pictures would be great. When they came back from the developer, all were grey with simple shadows of us. Did it really matter? Bill McGraw will be forever a clear memory of my mind's eye-his lovely voice, his sense of humor, his great respect and love for Onalee and his always knowing that the person on the other end of the phone conversation was me-"Onalee is that Bev Malona on the phone?"
I posted this link at Onalee's request. The Book of Kells~ an expression of the Faith, the blood, and the humor of the land and its people. (It must be cut and pasted to a browser)
Bill was very much apart of my life. Onalee and I, colleagues at first, and soon to become great friends, spent many a day strategizing via phone about the many projects in which we were involved. No phone conversation was ever complete without Bill's sage advice and great conversation. Bill seemed to always know that I was on the other end of the line and soon a two way conversation became a conference call! I finally got to meet Bill when he accompanied Onalee to Buffalo. My husband and he got on very well. We went to Niagara Falls on what turned out to be a very grey rainy day. My husband took many pictures that day with his pride and joy a Nikon camera. He had no doubt that those pictures would be great. When they came back from the developer, all were grey with simple shadows of us. Did it really matter? Bill McGraw will be forever a clear memory of my mind's eye-his lovely voice, his sense of humor, his great respect and love for Onalee and his always knowing that the person on the other end of the phone conversation was me-"Onalee is that Bev Malona on the phone?"
March 15, 2014
March 15, 2014
Earthly time passes so fast as we watch the lives of a loved one flit by in our photographic world. How God has blessed Bill and Onalee through their meeting and sharing the reality of love between two persons committed in marriage--for love and life. Thank you for being long-distance friends as we meet "old age" and draw closer to learning the secret of life after death! May Bill McGraw be exalted in the presence of God! May his family find peace in the love of God's presence in our time.
March 6, 2014
March 6, 2014
To my dear Bill - Today ---- a wonderful quote from my spiritual Godfather, . C. S. Lewis, came to my attention and how it speaks to me about us ..... "There are far better things ahead than what we left behind."
March 1, 2014
March 1, 2014
Today was an incredibly special day. The dear friends of so many years of Bill and myself - Ken and Margaret Whitehead - came to visit me as they have so many times since Bill left this earth - little did we know that the bronze plate that has the engraving - "William F. McGraw - Loving Husband and Father: - was to be installed this very morning at the memorial park after over a year and a half of delay and confusion - a wonderful morning as the Whiteheads and I shared our memories of Bill with the two kind men who gave up their Saturday to help get the bronze properly installed. After these good men left, we sang "Faith of our Fathers" - Bill's favorite hymn and said some prayers. The joy of this completely unplanned and unexpected event this morning and the sense of Providential help being received was very wonderful.
February 13, 2014
February 13, 2014
This is a great idea Onalee--My first remembrance of Bill is meeting him and Father Steve McGraw who was not a priest yet--at the Fairfax Curia meeting for the Legion of Mary --he walked over to me to me to encourage me to carry out and persevere in a work that I had just proposed to all Praesidiums --leaf letting at Dulles airport and so I pursued it and we did leaflet passing for several years at Dulles with the authorities there permission--thanks Father Steve and Bill RIP Bill
February 10, 2014
February 10, 2014
While working with Onalee at Educational Guidance Institute while we were working under the federal grant, I was blessed to have some interaction with Bill through Onalee. Even though I never got to know him terribly well, he did not fail to make an impact on me!
I was touched by his kindness. I could see he was a devoted father and husband. Most of all, there was a light coming from his life at that time. He was so happy! It was clearly Bill's Catholic faith which was that light: his life was deep and rich because of Christ.
I had not yet received the blessing of seeing an elderly person going through the spiritual process of preparing for death. Even though I only received a glimpse into Bill's life in that regard, it made an impact on me. In an era when age isn't appreciated by the modern world for the spiritual richness and growth it can provide, it was a blessing in my life to see Bill live out his Catholic faith in that way, and to see Onalee's role in that - even now.
I was touched by his kindness. I could see he was a devoted father and husband. Most of all, there was a light coming from his life at that time. He was so happy! It was clearly Bill's Catholic faith which was that light: his life was deep and rich because of Christ.
I had not yet received the blessing of seeing an elderly person going through the spiritual process of preparing for death. Even though I only received a glimpse into Bill's life in that regard, it made an impact on me. In an era when age isn't appreciated by the modern world for the spiritual richness and growth it can provide, it was a blessing in my life to see Bill live out his Catholic faith in that way, and to see Onalee's role in that - even now.
January 2, 2014
January 2, 2014
Bill and I were married 50 years ago on December 28, 1963. More than ever now, I love the fact that our anniversary falls within the season of celebrating the birth of our Lord. This year we assembled to celebrate being together at our home. Our three kids and their kids. Delighted that we have had over 1,000 visits to our website!!!
October 19, 2013
October 19, 2013
Though I never got to meet you, Bill, from what I heard of you I know we'd have hit it off really well! You have a beautiful family and I am blessed to have gotten to know them. When I was working with Mrs. McGraw and we'd hit a wall in our work she would say a prayer to you and we always made it through. I see that your life has touched so many and that is why we still celebrate you.
October 19, 2013
October 19, 2013
We have said special prayers for Bill and his wonderful family on this anniversary of his 95th birthday. Special people like Bill McGraw continue to live on in our hearts and to inspire us.
Love and blessings to all the McGraws,
Margaret and Ken
Love and blessings to all the McGraws,
Margaret and Ken
October 18, 2013
October 18, 2013
Tomorrow is Bill's birthday - 50 years ago on this day we started in earnest to plan our wedding for December 28, 1963 at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington DC - Some of our wedding pictures are posted here on the site. Over 1,000 visits to the site - a tribute to a wonderful guy - my Bill. ,
May 21, 2013
May 21, 2013
It is a privilege to have known Mr. McGraw, and even though he has left this life, I am happy to still be learning edifying accounts of his life. May he rest in peace, and may we all meet again.
May 21, 2013
May 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss; I've been out of the loop. My family and I will pray for you. He was a great man and an inspiration.
May 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
"My brother in the Legion of Mary, Bill McGraw, was a true inspiration in his perseverance, his love of Our Queen and Our Mother, his thorough knowledge of the Faith, his love for The Truth, his Humility during his years in the Church Militant... And now he's gotta (sic) be still serving Her with the Church Triumphant!"
May 10, 2013
May 10, 2013
It has been about 14 months since my Bill left this earth. I find that I can miss him so much each day and yet feel his presence - so very near to me. . I will always be grateful to God for the wonderful and loving man He sent to me. I am deeply grateful for the over 500 visits to Bill's website here at Forever Missed. .
March 18, 2013
March 18, 2013
It's hard to believe it has been a year since Bill passed into eternal life. He was and is a wonderful example to me and I have so blessed to get to know him.May the Lord bless and comfort Onalee and her family as they mark the one year mark of Bill's passing.
March 10, 2013
March 10, 2013
On Laetare Sunday, we remember the many reasons that we had to rejoice in our friendship with Bill. He and his wonderful wife and family are in our hearts and prayers.
January 6, 2013
January 6, 2013
I had the good fortune of living as a boarder with Bill and Onalee right up to their last days in McLean, just before they moved to Front Royal, during which time this amazing couple were working on the book, "Love and Marriage at the Movies". Bill was always full of great stories, from real life or fiction. I miss him dearly!
December 18, 2012
December 18, 2012
As a member of the Legion of Mary, I had the good fortune to visit Mr. McGraw several times. Although when I met him he was already declining in health and spoke very little, I could see what sort of man he was by the way his family and friends lovingly spoke with him. It was like looking at the ripples in a pond--large ripples indicate a great stone. Mr. McGraw left large ripples.
November 19, 2012
November 19, 2012
Mr. McGraw was always a man of character and honesty--an honesty was not motivated by social expectations. I remember how he would sit in his living room, surrounded by family and friends, and just listen to the general conversation going on around him. When asked to give his opinion, he would do so in a very brief and decisive way that was abrupt, but surprisingly refreshing.
October 31, 2012
October 31, 2012
It was an honor to know Bill McGraw. He was a gentleman, a kind man, a holy man.
One of my fond memories is that when Onalee and I traveled together by car for EGI work over the years, we'd call Bill as we were leaving to return home and he always asked us if the car doors were locked. I'm sure that he's looking out for Onalee's safety now from heaven!
One of my fond memories is that when Onalee and I traveled together by car for EGI work over the years, we'd call Bill as we were leaving to return home and he always asked us if the car doors were locked. I'm sure that he's looking out for Onalee's safety now from heaven!
October 19, 2012
October 19, 2012
Bill was a wonderful friend and an inspiration for many years. We miss him dearly and we pray for him daily. We also hope that he hasn't forgotten us and is looking out for us from heaven. We especially remember him on his birthday. You can be sure the Whiteheads won't forget that October 19th is his special day!
Love and blessings to all the McGraws.
Love and blessings to all the McGraws.
August 6, 2012
August 6, 2012
I remember the 1st time I visited the McGraw house. My legion partner and I listened intently as Mrs. McGraw told us many fascinating stories. I was deeply touched by looking over at Mr. McGraw throughout the visit, as he beamed with pride at all his wife had done. It was truly beautiful to see the love they shared and still share.
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Recent Tributes
March 18
March 18
It's been 12 years since you passed into eternity. So many things have happened during this time. Your grandchildren are growing up and many of them have children of their own. What an amazing legacy you have left on earth! We think of you often, and I find myself telling fond stories about you to my own kids. We gathered tonight with mom at a restaurant to celebrate your life, and express our gratitude for all the years we had you in our lives. Earlier today, as I was thinking of you, I read one of your favorite poems: "If" by Rudyard Kipling. You gave me a card which contained that poem, on my 16th birthday. You and mom wrote in the card that this poem represented a glimpse of what you thought I could be. To this day, I take that poem out during hard times on the job, or personal life, and re-reading it always gives me strength. I remember how sometimes when you would recite poetry, your voice would break with emotion. I remember this happening when you read us "In School Days" by Whittier and it made an impression upon me at the time. Love, Life, and people matter. In your own way, you were countering nihilism! I was too young to understand this, of course, but the lesson was there and eventually it sunk in. Thank you for introducing wonderful poems and stories into our lives Dad. And think you for living out your beliefs in your every day life. You practiced the wonderful things in the poems and other stories you shared with us. This is all part of why we love you the way we do, and why you will be forever missed.
March 18
March 18
Dearest Bill, On this day 12 years ago we kissed goodbye, with our family all around and bid you farewell, "til we meet again." I love you my darling and thank you again as I always do, for the gift of your love, your wisdom and just you. We had a great great 48 years Bill on this earth, as much and more than many do have.... Love to you until, as St. Thomas More famously said, "we meet merrily in heaven."
October 19, 2023
October 19, 2023
Happy Birthday Dad! You entered this world 105 years ago today. What an amazing time you spent here on earth. I remember when I was about 21, I finally came to understand some of the challenges of your life, and I was so proud to be your son. You overcame losing your father at the age of 11. You worked your way through college, served in the Army during WWII and Korea, and became a lawyer and eventually a judge. You were married to mom for 48 years and you are the father of three children, 15 grandchildren, and now many great grandchildren. Through all these times, you were a devout and loving Catholic man. What a legacy. Today, I recall something that was very unique about you. You had the most unusual preference for how your eggs were cooked, something called: "up and basted." Every time we went out for breakfast (which we did pretty often) the server would ask how do you want your eggs? You'd pause for a moment and say, "Up and basted?" 99 times out of 100 the server would say, "I don't know what that means?" You would then describe it to them and add, "Just tell the chef. He or she might know." 10 minutes later out came your eggs and I'd always ask, "Did they get it right?" Your answer would often vary: "Not really," or "No," or "Almost." I think once or twice you said, "Oh, they got it right." But, here is the point. You always tried. And you were never in the least bit upset (visibly) when they didn't get it right the vast majority of the time. I think you were an optimist, and a romantic. You were willing to give it a try, each time, just in case the chef knew how to make, "Up and basted" eggs. We love you dad, and we miss your goodness, wisdom, kindness, and optimism! You are forever missed, and we are forever grateful to God that he gave us someone just like you!
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Thank You
October 19, 2018
Dear Bill,
Thank you for leaving behind such a beautiful legacy in the form of a family that I have grown to know and love! You are far from forgotten
June 9, 2001
May 20, 2013
Fr. Steve's Ordination day.
This day was one of the happiest days of our lives, as anyone would know. Fr. Steve had desided to become a priest after 5 years working as a lawyer in the Justice Department. Bill and I loved going up to Emittsburg, the home of St. Mary's Seminary to visit with him.
December 12, 2012
Dr. Keats was kind enough to dedicate Christendom Colleges preformance of Nickolas Nickleby to the memory of Bill. As Bill and I so loved this work of Dickens.