Maryann Catherine Luksch Graczyk

Maryann Catherine Luksch Graczyk, age 91, passed away at her home in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Monday, July 28, 2025. Maryann was born August 3,1933, to Matthew Luksch and Anna Spytkowski Luksch in Buffalo, New York during the Great Depression. Maryann’s world was forever changed at the age of 7 when her father unexpectedly died in a tragic accident. There were no social programs at that time that assisted widows, so her mother had to go to work, and Maryann took care of her brother and the household. Maryann began working outside the home at the age of 9 until she was 13, when her widowed mother married John Hoelcle, allowing Maryann the time to volunteer as a Red Cross Grey Lady and as Ground Observer for the Corps for Civil Defense. She also taught dancing at the USO. If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she also participated in a dozen different clubs at Bishop Colton High School where she graduated in 1951.

After graduation she worked as a waitress until the age of 17 when she began teaching on an emergency basis serving low economic, at-risk students. She fell in love with teaching and was awarded a full scholarship in the Cadet Teaching Corps where she attended D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York.

In June 1957, Maryann married Norbert Robert Graczyk, a member of the USAF, and they were stationed for 12 years at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. Maryann became a parent and loving mother in August 1963 with the arrival of a daughter and again in January 1965 with the arrival of a son. During the Vietnam War, Maryann and the kids were separated from Norbert while he was away for 18 months deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

Maryann survived cancer in the mid 1960’s and she endured cobalt treatments, radium implants, and multiple surgeries related to the cancer. She was a three-year survivor of cancer when the family was transferred to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, in August 1970. In the mid 1970’s she almost died from “aftereffects radiation poisoning.”

Maryann Graczyk was a dedicated educator, labor leader, and community advocate, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to improving the lives of others. Over her remarkable career spanning more than 50 years, Maryann made significant contributions to education, labor rights, and community development. She served as president of the Mississippi American Federation of Teachers for 20 consecutive years, tirelessly advocating for education reform and workers' rights. Her efforts extended to organizing unions, leading rallies, and drafting legislative bills to improve conditions for educators and workers.

Maryann's passion for community service was evident in her involvement with numerous organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, and the Red Cross. She was a champion for youth, serving as a 4-H sponsor, Boy Scouts instructor, and Director of Innovative Programs for Children. Her dedication earned her numerous accolades, including the Bene Merenti Papal Medal from Pope Pius VI, Outstanding Elementary Teacher awards in Delaware and Mississippi, and recognition as an Outstanding Woman of Achievement.

A lifelong learner and advocate, Maryann's influence reached national levels, as she was elected Mississippi delegate to Democratic National Conventions in 1980 and 1992 and was invited by President Jimmy Carter to a briefing on inflation and energy. Her commitment to education, labor, and community was unwavering, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. Although she did not win, Maryann also ran for office when she was in her 70’s.

Maryann was quick-witted and had a contagious laugh that could be heard outside the house. She enjoyed traveling and family vacations. She really enjoyed going to the casinos along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and was very generous when she won. Maryann was also very generous with her comps. Maryann enjoyed stamp collecting and coin collecting. She loved black and white movies and musicals. Although she could listen to most styles of music, she especially liked Aerosmith, ZZ-Top, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Prince.

On her 75th birthday, she jumped out of an airplane in Poplarville, Mississippi strapped to an extremely handsome young man. There is a DVD for evidence. Maryann was also a proud member of the Senior Citizen Johnny Depp Fan Club.

After her husband's death in August 2008, Maryann began a different chapter in her life by opening and operating a thrift store for three years in Gulfport, Mississippi. Maryann also began painting at the age of 75 by using watercolors and mixed media. She continued her gardening and jigsaw puzzling and spending time with friends from her new church at the Heritage United Methodist Church.

Maryann's life was guided by her faith, as reflected in her volunteer work with Heritage United Methodist Church and her devotion to the teachings of Saint Francis. She lived by the principles of Love, Hope, and Service, inspiring all who knew her. Maryann's legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and dedication to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.

Maryann was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Robert Graczyk; her brother, Matthew Luksch; and her infant great-granddaughter, Vivyan Kimber Davis.

Maryann is survived by her children, Suzanne Marie Graczyk and Norbert John “Buddy” Graczyk; her grandchildren, Joseph Aaron Davis and Chelsea (Santiago) Bello; her great-grandchildren, Nathan Asher Davis, Eden Rose Davis, Evelyn Bello, Marihah Bello, Nyjah Bello, and Marcus Bello.

Our family is grateful for the caring service of Deaconess Hospice that was provided to Maryann over the last year, especially Keshia and Nikki and Chaplain Josh. Also, Maryann could not have gotten through the past three and a half years without the help of her live-in caretaker and son (Norbert John “Buddy” Graczyk) and his valuable assistance and loving daily care.

A private burial will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery where her cremains will be buried alongside her husband of over 51 years.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the family will host a Celebration of Life and Memorial at Maryann's church, Heritage United Methodist Church, 4322 Popp’s Ferry Road, D’Iberville, Mississippi at 11:45 a.m. Please note there will be yellow balloons because that is specifically what she requested. Maryann wants there to be joy because she had a long life in which she overcame many obstacles, and through her strong will and faith in God, she would tell you herself that she absolutely loved her life.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Maryann Catherine Luksch Graczyk.