Lois Graham

Lois E. (Dorsch) Graham (1926-2025)

Lois E. (Dorsch) Graham, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 26, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Edith (Wiegand) Dorsch.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald R. Graham; her son, Michael Graham; and her brothers, Charles (Lilly) and Ronald (Paula) Dorsch.

She is survived by her loving children: Donald (Julie) Graham and Maureen (John) Carroll; her daughter-in-law, Claudette Graham; her devoted grandchildren: Nicole Pfleeger, Matthew Carroll, Patrick Carroll, Michael Graham, Lauren Carroll, and Donnie Graham; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Matty, Jaxson, Charlotte, Cassie, Nick, Patrick, Rosie, Ella, Cami, Sophia Carroll, Michael, Lyla, and Abby Pfleeger. She is also survived by four nieces and one nephew.

Lois was born and raised in the Spring Hill section of Pittsburgh and was a graduate of Saint Ambrose Catholic Grade School and Saint Benedict Academy. She maintained friendships from her childhood throughout her life. Those friendships continued into her 90s with regular luncheons to talk about the Spring Hill days. She loved attending the annual Spring Hill luncheons to see old neighbors and to catch up on everyone’s lives.

Her marriage to Donald “Red” Graham opened a lifetime love of sports and North Catholic. Throughout Coach Graham’s long coaching career, Lois was almost always in attendance to support him and the team. That support included attendance at and working on many fundraising events for the athletic programs and the school at North Catholic.

The most important thing in her life was her family. She was always there to support her children in whatever they pursued. That support continued for the grandchildren, as Grandma Lois and Papa Coach were always available to babysit or to come to a game, dance recital, piano recital or whatever event involved the grandchildren.

Although early family vacations were limited to the annual basketball clinic in Wildwood NJ and an occasional trip to Atlantic City, that changed with the arrival of the grandchildren. Frequent trips with her children and their families were always on the schedule but her greatest joy was the annual Graham family vacation to the beach. Lois was never known as a swimmer, but she was always the lifeguard for all the grandchildren and great grandchildren at the beach. She would sit on porch and give constant safety instructions. These annual trips continued well into her 90s. She also loved traveling with her brothers and their wives.

Lois was a caring and considerate person. She was deeply committed to her Catholic faith and instilled those values in her family. Lois was always quick with a smile and ready to offer support and encouragement. She will be missed by all of her family.

Donations in Lois memory can be made to North Catholic High School at the link below.