Gloria Virginia (Hamel) DeGraaf

Gloria Virginia DeGraaf, 94, of Lawton, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023 at her home. 

She was born March 16, 1929 in Lawton, Michigan, the daughter of the late Robert Hamel and Marie (Hall) Johnson. 

As a lifelong Lawton resident, Gloria graduated from Lawton High School in 1947. She then went to work at the Lawton Pharmacy where she dedicated many years of service. She was known for her selflessness and caring personality. She opened her home to elderly ladies in need and provided care for them. Family meant the world to Gloria, especially her grandchildren. She always made sure their needs were taken care of. She loved attending and helping out with her children and later grandchildren's sporting events and other extracurricular activities. 

Later in her life, during the frigid Michigan winters, Gloria traveled down to Lake Placid, Florida, to escape the cold and enjoy the Florida sun. She quickly established many friendships and a reputation down in Florida as the "cookie lady" because of her delicious homemade cookies. 
 
Gloria is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Roger) O'Connor; three sons, David (Gail) Dudek, Steven "Radar" Dudek and Michael Dudek; six grandchildren, Tracy (Rob) O'Connor, Eric (Linda) Dudek, Mathew Dudek, Brittany Dudek, Courtney (Brandon) Wall and Collin Dudek; three great-grandchildren, Bentley Nelson, Everly Wall and Caitlyn Horton; three great-great grandchildren, Jaqulyn Gant, Olivia Raymond and Samuel Raymond. 

Gloria was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Dudek; second husband, John DeGraaf; sisters, Roberta Keselowski, Nola Everle and June McCauslin; brothers, Bill Hamel and Richard Hamel; and her close friend, Marvin Austin. 

Family and friends are invited to an open house Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 1-5 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Avenue Paw Paw. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Centrica Care Navigators. 

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