Nancy J. Graham
November 21, 1944 ~ February 22, 2018
Nancy J. Fratcher Graham, age 73, wife of the late David Graham, passed away with her children by her side on February 22, 2018. She was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin to the late George and Mary Rae Fratcher. She is survived by her children Jennifer Graham and her husband Daniel Tontini of Orange, and Jeffrey Graham of Woodbridge; her sisters Marilyn Binning and her husband Ronald of Wisconsin, and Joanne Klinkert and her husband Jim of Wisconsin; and her grandchildren Cole and Austin Tontini. Nancy graduated from Lawrence University in 1966 and received her PhD from Duke University in 1973. She was a dedicated chemistry teacher at Hamden High School for 38 years, receiving honorable recognition and numerous awards during her career. In her spare time, Nancy enjoyed traveling and found pleasure in life’s simple offerings. Loved ones would describe her as gentle, good-natured and generous. She cherished her time with friends and family. As an avid supporter of countless charities, her compassion for humanity and love of animals was abundant. Nancy will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. A service celebrating Nancy’s life will be held on Saturday March 3rd at 11am in Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Friends may visit with her family from 10-11am before the service. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 .
I was very saddened to hear of Nancy’s passing. I also taught at Hamden High and know she was highly regarded both by the staff and students. She was dedicated and respected as a smart, knowing, no-nonsense teacher. We need more of her type and she’ll sorely missed. God Bless Nancy and her family.
Dr. Graham taught me chemistry in high school and now I have a PhD in biochemistry. Her class is by far the best chemistry class I’ve ever taken. Strong female role models in science are hard to come by, and Dr. Graham’s impact should not be underestimated. Deepest sympathies to her family.
A bit late here, but I thought of Dr. Graham when I realized Mole Day (10/23) was coming up soon. I am saddened to hear of her passing, but I will remember her and her high school chemistry class fondly. She was a terrific teacher because she was as kind and fair as she was demanding and exact. Best wishes to her and her family. Anton Gimmel, Hamden High Class of 2002