It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Zelia Costa Graham. Zelia was born on July 21, 1943, in Florianopolis, Brazil.

She was a unique and wonderful person. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years Rory, and her two sons, Shane and Eric as well as their four grandchildren Curtis, Brendon, Kendra and Cassidey.

Besides raising a family, Zelia had a very busy work life that spanned many jobs over the years from meatpacking and waitressing to head manicurist and even a quality control technician. The position she loved the most was that of a volunteer.

Zelia worked with Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach and their ministry visiting people in the local hospitals for several years. She then started a ministry of her own with her Golden Retriever “Joanna” that lasted a decade, visiting 6 nursing homes a week. She would visit all the people who never got visitors. She won a lot of awards for her work as a volunteer and a lot of hearts as well. All of this while battling Parkinson’s Disease.

Zelia had Parkinson’s Disease for 23 years which is quite an accomplishment in itself. She tackled this challenge like a true champion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church of the Ascension located at 4853 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach, VA 23462 on Friday June 3, 2022, at 2:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association Virginia Chapter | PO Box 4162, Virginia Beach, VA 23454