Obituary of Darinka Graham

November 1, 1936 - Zagreb, Croatia

September 10, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Darinka Graham (nee Veselinovic), beloved wife of Desmond ‘Des’ Graham, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Darinka was born in Zagreb, Croatia on November 1, 1936. She immigrated to Canada on February 4, 1967, and lived in Mississauga, ON, until 1975 when she moved to Calgary, AB.

As a young woman, Darinka loved to dance and taught dance for some time. It was dancing that brought Darinka and Des together, enjoying many years together dancing at the Legion. Darinka married Des on October 15, 1988.

Her favourite vacation was travelling to Croatia which she did annually up until the year 2021. On top of travelling, Darinka enjoyed camping and Bingo. Most of all, Darinka enjoyed family gatherings and Happy Hour!

Darinka will be most remembered for her hospitality, cooking, and her smile.

Besides her loving husband Des, Darinka is survived by her three daughters, Irene (Terry) Grant of Airdrie, Jackie (Rob) Smith of Okotoks, and Debbie Wheatley of Calgary. Darinka is survived by seven grandchildren, Shaun (Erin), Melissa (Ian), Kori (Tyler), Kevin, Dustin (Cora), Emily (Hunter), and Hayley; as well as four great-grandchildren, Lorelai, Cynthia, Everley, and Heidi. Darinka is also survived by three stepsons, Ron, Brian, and Wayne.

A Celebration of Darinka’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to A.A.R.C.S. – Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, 5060 – 74th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3C9, Telephone: (403) 250-7377 www.aarcs.ca/donate.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Darinka’s family here.

In living memory of Darinka Graham, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.