Obituary of Deirdre Graham

Deirdre Egan Graham, 59, passed away peacefully at her residence in Montclair, New Jersey on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, with her husband, Philip Graham, by her side. She will be missed by her loving family and friends who comforted her during her final days. 

Born on June 25th, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, Deirdre was the daughter of Patricia Dunn Egan of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and James Egan of New York, New York. Deirdre was raised in Montclair and graduated from Montclair High School in 1982. Naturally outgoing and athletic, she formed many friendships in high school and helped lead the field hockey team to the state title her senior year. She attended Lafayette College where she earned a double degree in English and Economics and established many more lifelong friendships.

Deirdre and her husband Philip (also raised in Montclair) were married in September 1997 and shared over 25 happy years together in Montclair. She enjoyed a fruitful career in advertising in New York City for two decades before shifting her talents to real estate, excelling for two more decades as a real estate agent at Stanton Company of Montclair.

Devoted to her family, she and Philip raised three daughters, and many family vacations were spent at The Edgemere Club (a family retreat in the Poconos) and at a family home in Ormond Beach, Florida. An avid reader and devotee of music, her love of Jane Austen novels was surpassed only by her love of the Beatles.

Deirdre also had a strong sense of community. She was a longstanding member of the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, and an organizer of multiple school fundraisers. Perhaps most importantly, she kept a loyal bond with the countless friends she made through school, work, and community activities.

Deirdre is survived by her mother, Patricia Dunn, husband, Philip Graham, and daughters Bridget Graham, Emma Graham, and Tessa Graham. She is predeceased by her father, James Egan.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 5th at Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Deirdre Egan Graham’s name to The Edgemere Club, 120 Edgemere Road, Dingman’s Ferry, PA 18328