By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - A Longtime Niles Township fixture is retiring.
When MaryAnn Graham walked into the general meeting room at the Niles Township Hall on Friday afternoon she had no idea what was in store for her.
After 18 and a half years Graham is retiring as deputy treasurer this coming Friday and her co-workers helped her celebrate by throwing a surprise party.
Many friends, family members and co-workers came to show their appreciation for Graham for all her years of service at the township.
As deputy treasurer Graham took care of the day to day operations, which included collecting tax money from the residents.
Graham's sister Pat Charleston who was able to attend the party said, "She a great person, who works really hard. I'm sure they are going to miss her here just as much as she is going to miss them."
Debbie Charleston Graham's niece said, "She is just a great person, with a great sense of humor and is always cracking jokes. Everyone will miss her a great deal."
Graham's office co-worker Tracey Vines said, "Things around here just aren't going to be the same. She is just so supportive, and nurturing. She has really been the office mom."
Angie Cole another co-worker said, "She just makes working here great. We aren't sure who is going to remind us to turn the coffee pot off each night."
We are going to miss her more than she will ever know," Niles Township Trustee Dick Noble said. "She is a tremendous worker, is well loved and has done a tremendous job here for all these years."
Niles Township Assessor Carol Hill said, "She is a fixture here in the office, and people will probably be surprised when they come in and she isn't here."