Jacqueline "Jackie" Dolores (nee Kwasniewski) Graham passed away peacefully at her home in Chatham, Illinois, on July 8, 2026, with her loving husband Frank at her side.  Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Angeline and Chester, and her loving sister-in-law, Elaine.  She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank, with whom she was married to for over 58 years; her three brothers, William, Charles, and Joseph; and many loving nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.  She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Jackie was born on April 19, 1943, at St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond, Indiana. Jackie grew up in Calumet City, Illinois and attended school at Thorton Fractional North where she was active in school including part of the homecoming court, a member of the National Honor Society, and editor of the school newspaper and yearbook.

After graduation from high school, Jackie accepted a position at Standard Oil of Indiana.  Impressed by Jackie, her supervisor at Standard Oil recommended that she attend college.  Jackie enrolled at Southern Illinois University where she majored in education and met the love of her life, Frank Graham. Jackie graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1968 and obtained a teaching position at Springfield Southeast High School where she taught history and eventually becoming the history department chair.  Jackie taught at Springfield Southeast for over 30 years.

After Jackie retired, she moved to the Kankakee area so she could be closer to and help care for her elderly mother.  Jackie was an excellent cook and consummate hostess, making her home the center of Sunday and holiday dinners. Jackie was also a voracious reader with interests in all topics including, not surprisingly, history.  Jackie was also a fighter, a 21-year breast cancer survivor, having successfully fought off cancer twice. In death Jackie demonstrated that same courage she carried though her entire life.