Submitted by: Dan Rich

Janes Graham

Oct. 6, 1910 - Jan. 11, 2008

South Bend Tribune 1/13/2008
SOUTHB END - Janes "Nessie" Graham, 97, of South Bend, passed away at 8:10 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2008, in St. Paul's Retirement Community, South Bend. Nessie was born on October 6, 1910, in Rochester, IN as the daughter of John L. and Flo Mae (Cook) Zook.

On September 21, 1936, in South Bend, IN she married Clarence Joseph Graham. After a long and happy marriage Clarence preceded his wife in death. Nessie and her identical twin sister, Nettie were graduates of South Bend Business College. Upon graduation Nessie went to work for First National Bank of Mishawaka, now known as First Source Bank, where she retired after 43 years of service. At retirement, she moved to her cottage at Shavehead Lake in Michigan and later was a resident of St. Paul's Retirement Community.

Nessie is survived by her son, John L. Gruszynski of Mishawaka; four grandchildren, Dawn (Greg) Parks of Oklahoma, Jerry (Kim) Gruszynski of South Bend, Jennifer (Rick) Short of Oklahoma, and Sam Gruszynski of South Bend. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren; and nephews, Dick and Don Nellans. Her twin sister, Janet "Nettie" Nellans preceded her in death. Nessie and Nettie were graduates of the 1928 Fulton High School. They were inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame for scoring 75 points in one game against Roann High School. Nessie was the last known surviving member of her high school class.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2008, in Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan, South Bend, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow in Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Janes "Nessie" Graham may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 802 E. Ewing, South Bend, IN 46613.