Memorial for Joanne Graziano

I have had the pleasure and privilege to get to know Joanne Graziano for 10 years. I remember the first time I met her and her then partner, Rose Strong, at my company's 10th Anniversary event. It wasn't long after that when Rose became a member of our company's team. As a small business, we are more like an extended family, and get to know our staff and their families.

As soon as same sex marriage became legal in Maine, Joanne and Rose were married. Thereafter, we experienced the joy of their nuptials at their Pennsylvania wedding and receptions. It was a gift to witness their love then and to continue to take part in their loving journey.

It was with deep sorrow that Rose informed us this morning that her "love, partner, wife passed last night." Rose said, "Joanne is off in the great beyond, taking deep breaths and no longer limited by her illness."

Rose shared with us that Joanne wanted just one thing to be remembered by; a totem.

During hospice, Joanne drew her idea on paper and now we'd like to help Rose make that wish a reality.

Please join me and others to help raise the funds to carve a totem at their farm in Pennsylvania to remember Joanne's vibrant, artistic, joyful presence on this earth where she gave so much love to Rose, her family, her beautiful pets, and her friends.