Kathleen Graninger

Kathleen D Graninger passed away peacefully Sunday, March 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, near her home in Tyngsboro, MA. She lived a meaningful, connected life for 82 years. Born in 1942, died 2025.

Born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois. She was married 23 years to her high school sweetheart Dennis Graninger and they had two children. She is survived by her son Michael S Graninger and daughter in law Margaret H Sullivan, daughter Terry Graninger Dessert and son in law Gary Dessert, sister Mary Lynn Troy, and her brother in law Richard Whited predeceased by her sister Diane Whited and parents, David Earl Bud Apley and Dorthy Stahlberg Apley.

Also fondly known as Gaga, she would provide solicited and occasionally unsolicited guidance to her five surviving grandchildren Heidi B Dessert, Alexandra J Dessert, Conor J Graninger, Sydney S Graninger, and Sarah A Graninger. She would fondly joke that “no one was listening”, we heard you Gaga and will remember your wisdom as beautiful fond memories sprinkled with important life lessons and a few scavenger hunts that set historical precedents in our minds eye.

In her earlier years, while living on a farm in Elizabeth, Illinois she loved all animals and was an amazing gardener and canned just about everything and even tried her skills at making wine.

Kathe’s friendships and family relations were all very special to her. Her cousin and spiritual liaison, Valerie Ransone enhanced her life’s journey with compelling insights and strength.

She was employed for many years in administrative and customer service until retiring, enjoying her golden years independently and often dog sitting.

She lived to entertain, preparing comfort signature dishes for others that would welcome them again and again. These traditional formal and informal recipes were passed down to her and will continue to be shared. Her creative table settings offered a feeling of warmth and inclusion for every person and occasion.

A creative outlet and special activity for Kathe was to paint and instruct with her children and grandchildren. She was a frugal soul and always took pride in fixing almost anything with Yankee ingenuity and common sense. Kathe always took care of others selflessly.

Right up to her 82nd birthday, she was a skilled and dependable golfer with consistent contributions to her league, often “taking money” from the guys.

An avid reader with an extensive library filled with books, she would generally read 1-2 per week, always recycling locally to find the next mystery. 

Kathleen, you and your special life’s lessons will be dearly missed by those remaining on this earth, may you find everlasting peace with your beloved as they celebrate your arrival into the eternal life.

SERVICES: A memorial gathering will be scheduled this summer by invite.