Marie Christine Zukunft Graves

Marie Christine Zukunft Graves of Portland died on Wednesday, June 20, after a protracted illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Coburn Vincent Graves (d.1996). She is survived by her sister, Joan Z. Huettl, and by her five children, Marco (Nora Crowley), Ruth, Anne (Michael Putetti), Susan (James LeClair) and Paul, and grandchildren, Everett and Madeline. An administrator, librarian and educator, her career spanned across Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, Florida and Ohio. The first woman to receive a U.S. Government-issued pilot's license, while serving on the Sabino of Casco Bay Lines, she was a Navy Veteran of WWII, reaching the rank of Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class while stationed in California. It was her enduring love of the sea that brought her home to Maine permanently following her and her husband's retirement. She was a woman of strong convictions who championed education and the needs of the disadvantaged throughout her life. The family would like to thank all those who assisted with her care during her illness. A private service is planned. Arrangements by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.