Obituary of Christin Marie DeGraff

Christin M. DeGraff February 27, 1981 - May 29, 2015 Christin Marie (Kramek) DeGraff, 34, passed away unexpectedly on May 29th, 2015 at Lakeland hospital in Niles, Michigan. Although Christin's life ended too soon, she left behind an enduring legacy of devoted Catholic faith and profound love for her family. Christin was born on February 27th, 1981 in St. Joseph, Michigan to Jacqueline (Stakley) Kramek and Thomas J. Kramek. Christin was a popular and outgoing child with an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile. She graduated from Buchanan High School in 1999. Throughout her life she worked as a certified insurance representative for State Farm Insurance Co, as well as for Lowe's, Baby's R Us, and was presently employed at Roseland Animal Hospital. She married her best friend, Adam DeGraff on June 21st, 2001. Together they have raised their precious children, Edward Michael (10), and Evelyn Marie (7). Adam and Christin taught their children to be kind, thoughtful and to love God through their example. Christin was a passionate advocate for neglected and abused animals. She was a much valued volunteer with Heartland Small Animal Rescue of South Bend, as well as Seven Star Rescue and Sanctuary of St. Joseph. She was also very active with her parish and children's school, St. Mary's Catholic church of Niles. Christin is preceded in death by her father, Thomas J. Kramek; brother, Zachary Thomas Hume; her paternal grandfather, Joseph Kramek; her maternal grandmother, Margaret Maxfield; and her father-in-law, Louis E. DeGraff III. She is survived by her loving husband and children as well as her mother, Jacqueline Stakley; mother and father-in-law, Connie DeGraff-Shearer and Michael Shearer; brothers, Joseph (Jackie) Kramek and Terry James "T.J." Davis; brother-in-law, Louis (Nicole) DeGraff IV; sister, Rebekah Arnold; stepmother, Elizabeth (David) Arnold; Godparents, Karen Quesnelle and Kristopher Stakley; maternal grandfather, Jack (Glenis) Stakley; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Susan Kramek; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Christin was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and friend to so many. Words cannot accurately describe how much she will be missed. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Niles with Rev. Alphonse Savariuthu officiating. An inurnment will follow at Sumnerville Cemetery. The family would like for friends and family to gather and share memories after the interment at St. Mary's Parish Hall. In an effort to assist the family with final expenses, memorial contributions may be made in Christin's memory in care of Brown Funeral Home or online at http://www.gofundme.com/InMemoryOfChristin Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.