Yukiko “Maria” Mcgraw

Yukiko “Maria” McGraw

04/14/2021

Yukiko “Maria” McGraw, 89, joined her Savior in Heaven peacefully on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, surrounded by her family’s love. Born in Tokyo, Japan in November 1931 she was one of five children. She met her husband, Herman Joseph McGraw, while he was stationed in Tokyo. After they married in November 1953, at age 22, she made the courageous move to Muncie, Indiana leaving her family and native Japan. She and her husband of 43 years were blessed with three children. In 1964 the family moved to Jacksonville and then in 1968 to DeLand, Florida.

Maria taught herself to speak and write English. A self-taught and gifted seamstress she touched the lives of countless others. She sewed clothing and did alterations and eventually started her own business, McGraw’s Custom Draperies, providing custom draperies to many residents in the DeLand area.

Maria had a passion for beautiful things. She loved gardening and had the patience to make any plant flourish. She enjoyed finding something special at a store or a yard sale. She enjoyed cooking Japanese food and spending time with her girlfriends. Maria also had a sense of fashion and enjoyed a stylish appearance. She was a strong, yet quiet woman, who inspired those who knew her.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Herman Joseph McGraw; her parents Iwamatsu and Harue; three brothers and her sister from Japan; her granddaughter, Kimberly, and her companion in her later years, Fred Knopp. She is survived by her loving children, Mary Ann (Terry ) of Kent, Washington; Jim of DeLand; and Theresa (Jeff) of St. Petersburg, Florida; her grandchildren, Lisa of DeLand, Kelly, and Katie of Washington; and her great-grandchildren, Carter, Croix, Mackenzie, Mika, and Layton. Maria also leaves behind many beloved friendships.

Maria had a deep faith which we witnessed in her grace and love. A Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Funeral arrangements are handled by Lankford Funeral Home (www.lankfordfuneralhome.com).