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Karen Hall
Anna Graf Williams
February 28th, 1962 - June 10th, 2022
February 28th, 1962 - June 10th, 2022
Bloomington - Dr. Anna Graf Williams, 60, formerly of Bloomington and Fishers, IN, passed away Friday, June 10, 2022 at Methodist Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN after an intense and unexpected battle with cancer. Cremation rites were accorded.
Her Celebration of Life Gathering will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at the home of her brother, John Graf, 2291 E. 2500 North Road, McLean.
Anna was born February 28, 1962, the daughter of Paul Graf, deceased in 1985, and Frances Adams-Graf. Anna was a graduate of Normal Community High School in 1980, and went on to earn her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois in Consumer and Family Studies with a focus on Institutional Foods. She earned master's degrees in Restaurant Hotel Institutional Management and Curriculum Development and Design, and her Ph.D. in Educational Administration at Purdue University.
Anna worked her way to full professor in the hospitality program at Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, before leaving teaching and forming her own consulting company, Learnovation, LLC, in 1997. Anna is survived by her mother, Frances M. Graf, Bloomington; brothers, Paul Graf, Shirley, and John Graf, McLean; sons: Karl, Peter, and Paul, Lafayette, Ind., grandchildren Leo Williams and Skylar Williams, many nieces and nephews, as well as countless other "family" members and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister Rosy.
Anna was a vibrant, energetic person who strived "to make a difference" in everything she did. From her earliest days in the McLean County 4-H, Anna used her talents with flowers, food, and people to develop leadership skills that would serve her well in the future. Having catered her way through college, she always threw the best family gatherings and loved sharing time with others.
Anna was an entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, and an expert in career development, hospitality, and education. In recent years her interests lead her back to her roots with a focus on regenerative farming and helping others find health as a medical advocate. Her energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.
Those wishing to honor Anna, can share online condolences and memories of Anna at
https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/AnnaGrafWilliams/
The family requests that memorial gifts be designated for cancer research at Mayo Clinic.
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Tributes
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Jeff Heck
I lost contact with Anna several years ago. We worked together on a couple of career video series. She was always positive, and her work helped many people find and keep jobs.
Ruth Tallon Hargis
Fran, I am very sorry to learn you had a daughter who passed. If you ever want to talk, my phone # is (309)829-6545. Ruth Tallon Hargis
Tony Sarro
Rest in peach Anna. Although our business partnership in the Washington DC area was brief, I understood her to me a remarkable woman with great intelligence, passion, and innovation, with a hard working nature for doing the right thing. What a great example for young people in this day in age who are starting off their careers and their higher education.
Charles A Hays
There are no words for this huge loss to us all. Anna, was the most amazing woman I have ever met. Her boundless energy and interest as wide as the ocean. Anna , we all love you and will carry you with us always. I was blessed to call you my Friend and all that we shared with out time together.
James Cook
This is a very sad moment. I had the honor of being in her class at Johnson and Wales in 95. Anna will always be known as an amazing person. She inspired, motivated , care about many people in her life including me. She always wanted those around her to be the greatest the could become .Over the 28 yrs I’ve know her and the family this is a very sad moment. My prayers are with her sons, grandkids and family members. I had the privilege of being part of fundraising event, speaking in front of groups of people on the passion of food and creativity. Even after leaving Indiana she always kept in touch to ensure we were staying on course and achieving goals. She definitely was someone I’m glad to have had in my life. ❤️
Karen Hall
I met Anna 44 years ago, 1st day of classes in 8th grade. We bonded while flunking swimming class (actually I jumped off the high dive, she didn't) and went from there. How do you sum up a lifetime of friendship? From catered family events, to a business partnership, being "the other mom" to her three boys, sharing a house through COVID, and her commitment to seeing that I was cancer free this year. I'll miss her energy, her constant need to be learning something new, her cooking, her ability to talk to anyone about anything... I'll honor her by keeping fresh flowers in the house every week, taking time to do something fun on the weekend, and finding new ways to use the stockpile of food in the basement pantry. (She was always prepared!) I know she impacted so many people in different ways. I'll miss growing old together.
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