Lois Sandler Graboyes

Lois Sandler Graboyes, 93, formerly of Petersburg, Va., passed away on March 11, 2016 at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, VA. Widow of Harold Graboyes, she was the daughter of Benjamin and Yetta Sandler, also of Petersburg. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Arnold Graboyes (and Kathleen) and Dr. Robert Graboyes (and Alanna); grandchildren Jennifer Camblin (and Cody), Benjamin Graboyes, and Jeremy Graboyes; and beloved great-grandsons Wesley and Oliver Camblin. She was predeceased by a brother, Jack Sandler, and by two sisters, Sylvia Levy and Muriel Dreyer. Lois graduated from Petersburg High School as salutatorian in 1940. In 1941, she met Harold, then a soldier at Camp Lee, VA, and they married in 1944. Having struggled through the Great Depression and World War II, Lois and Harold risked everything in 1945 to open Tots & Teens, a children’s clothing store and Petersburg institution that flourished into the late 1960s. Then, they operated Graboyes Realty until their retirement. Harold died in 1998, and in 2002, Lois, then around 80, filled out a job application form for the first time in her life. She went to work for the City of Petersburg as a guide to the city’s historic sites. She worked there till age 91, when she moved to Imperial Plaza in Richmond, still independent and still sharp of mind. Lois was a lifelong member of Petersburg’s Congregation Brith Achim, where her father was once president. She was a talented painter and musician, with a special love for the music of the Gershwins. One of her sons described her as follows: “Mom was smart, opinionated, and strong-willed. Her love was fierce and unconditional. She loved her family, her friends, and her community – and they loved her in return. For Mom, and for Dad as well, kindness, honesty, and decency were what mattered most in life.” Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman will conduct a graveside service at the Brith Achim Cemetery on Crater Road in Petersburg on Tuesday, March 15 at 11:30 a.m., where Lois will be surrounded by friends and family, living and dead. For additional information, call the J. T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home at (804) 733-8511. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity dear to your own heart. If you’d like a suggestion, thefamily recommends the USO ( http://www.uso.org ), as that is where, nearly 75 years ago, Lois met her love and dearest friend, Harold. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .