Stephanie Sham

Stephanie Sham

Stephanie Sham (nee Graziano). Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, educator, and friend, passed away on August 14, 2025.Born on June 8, 1932, Stephanie was known for herhonesty, humor, wisdom, the occasional and surprisingbut always hysterical out-of-nowhere F-bomb, and the undeniable love and passion she brought into the world. Stephanie will be lovingly remembered by her three adoring sons, Peter, Michael, and Norman Sham, Peters wife Kirsten, and their children Olivia and Orlando, Normans wife Debbie, and their children Laura-her husband Sebastien and sons Jules and Theodore, and Simon, and her many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, to whom she was affectionately known as Aust Stevie. She is joining in rest her husband Norman Sham Sr who passed away in 1994, as well as her mother, Antonia Graziano, her father, Ignatius Graziano, her brother and sister, Gus Graziano and Eleanor Giglia, her sister-in-law Christine Noah, and her dearest nephew Paul Noah, along with many other loved ones throughout her life. Her sons are especially comforted to know that she will also be joining Jesus, Mary and Joseph, whose names she has invoked on a regular basis. Amoung Stephanies most significant accomplishments was raising her three boys, whom she held as her pride and joy. A graduate of Nardin Academy in 1950, and Buffalo State Teachers College in1954, she was also a creative, nurturing, and inspirational presence in the classroom, serving for many years as a first and second grade teacher at St. Stephens School in Grand Island, NY and in her later years, at Prince of Peace in Lackawanna. Stephanie loved playing games, making ceramic crafts, and engaging in word play of all kinds, but one of her favorite pastimes was her avid and intense passion for the Buffalo Bills, which she imparted to her entire family. Stephanie certainly faced her share of challenges, but her indomitable spirit and positive attitude always got her through the tough times, and her example was a guiding light to everyone she knew and loved. Her legacy is one of unwavering kindness and generosity. Her life served as a testament to her philosophy that its never as bad as it seems, and that life always finds a way to work out. A visitation for Stephanie will be held on Friday August 22, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd. in Grand Island. A graveside service will follow on Saturday August 23 at 11:00 AM St. Stephens Cemetery 2100 Baseline Rd., also on Grand Island. All wishing to pay their respects and celebrate her life will be welcomed. Stephanies loss is deeply felt by her extraordinary family and all those who knew and loved Her. She will continue to live on in the memory of her quiet strength, enduring intellect, infectious laughter and that astonishing and beautiful, one-of-a-kind smile. She was never a fan of goodbyes, it was always Goodbye, for now. We love you mom, and we will see you soon. Goodbye... for now ❤