Alvera Regina Graham

Alvera Regina Zwiefelhofer Graham passed away at the age of 99 on Oct. 12, 2023, at the Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Ore. She was the 10th and last child born to Andrew Zwiefelhofer and Josephine Krejci on Dec. 21, 1923, in Boyd, Wisc. When Alvera was 14, she moved to Winlock, Wash., with her parents and older brother, Walt. She graduated from Winlock High School in 1941.

It was there that she met her future husband, Harold Robert Graham. The two married on Sept. 16, 1942, in Tacoma, Wash., just shy of celebrating 73 years before Harold’s passing on June 15, 2015. They made their home in Longview, Wash., after Harold’s return from the Navy during World War II. They had four children, Bob (Carol) Graham, Nancy (Allen) Morrissette, Joan Fanony and Janice (Doug) Stowell.

Alvera was a homemaker until her children entered school. She then worked as a lunch server at Columbia Heights Elementary in Longview for several years. She was known — far and wide — for the meals and desserts coming from her kitchen, as well as for canning fruits and vegetables, many of which she grew in her large garden.

Alvera loved to bowl, play cards and Yahtzee, fish at their cabin in Kalama, Wash., travel, watch the Mariners and Seahawks, and square dance with Circle Square Dance. She and Harold were volunteers in the Longview/Kelso community, including the food bank and chairing the Christian Service program at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Kelso. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary’s for more than 70 years.

She also loved to spend time with her children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She and Harold traveled many miles to watch numerous sporting events and music programs.

Alvera moved to Hood River in 2019 to be closer to daughter Nancy (Allen) after daughter Janice passed away. The family thanks the Hood River Care Center for the care and kindness shown to their precious mother and grandmother.

Alvera was proceeded in death by her husband, Harold, son and daughter-in-law Bob and Carol, daughter Janice, two great-granddaughters, parents, five sisters and four brothers. She will be greatly missed by her remaining family, which includes a long list of nieces and nephews, as well as the children of her many friends, who live far and wide.

Alvera will be placed next to her husband at Longview Memorial Park. A service was held Oct. 23 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Kelso WA. Arrangements are under the direction of Steele Chapel.