Obituary: Kati Graham
October 3, 1961 – October 21, 2025
Kati Graham (Giannini), a radiant spirit, devoted mother, loving sister, and cherished “Lala,” passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and family, on October 21, 2025, in Texas. She was 64 years old.
Born on October 3, 1961, in San Francisco, California, Kati was the beloved “baby of the family” as the youngest of 4 children to Lynn and Vic Giannini. She grew up in Novato in Marin County, where kids rode bikes, jumped rope, and explored outdoors until dark. She shared a bedroom with her sister and loved when her brother let her ride his horse. From an early age, she had a curiosity for nature, science projects, and hands-on discovery. She also had a lifelong love of dogs, beginning with her childhood miniature poodle, Gina, whom she carried everywhere like a stuffed animal.
Kati graduated from San Marin High School in 1979 and took over her Mother’s business, GM Inventory Company, which led her to San Diego. In 1984, she met Loren Graham, the love of her life. Their connection was instant, and they married just three months later. They made their home in Lake Tahoe, and the following year welcomed their daughter, Stacy.
Kati worked as a bookkeeper for Tahoe Bowl and Simpson’s Jewelers. While working full time, she attended WNC, and the University of Nevada, Reno, where she studied Italian, and earned her degree in Electrical Engineering in 1999. Building her career as an Operations Director for the CV Starbucks roasting plant, she earned her dream job as Global Quality Assurance Engineer in Seattle. She later moved to Mill Valley in 2012 to pursue real estate investment, managing multiple properties in the area. In 2023, she moved to Texas to be closer to family.
Kati was loved and adored in her Tahoe community, where she served as President of the Parents Club at KMS, Treasurer of the Cave Rock GID, and even coached cheerleading at her daughter’s high school. Always staying young at heart, she proudly wore what she called the “hippest” fashion and, no matter how much snow fell on Tahoe, kept the best year-round tan.
Kati cherished summer days at Round Hill Pines beach, and special shopping trips with her daughter to San Francisco. She loved to travel, listen to live music, and enjoyed sports. She played softball and volleyball, and later took up tennis at her Country Club. She would watch her 49ers, and when a touchdown was near, she would stomp her feet and shout “go, go, go!” while the family cheered along.
She was proud of her Italian roots. Christmas meant raviolis with the whole family, and a daily special bedtime routine saying “Buona notte, dormi bene, ti amo” to her daughter, when tucking her in. Good night, sleep well, I love you too Mom.
Kati’s memory lives on through her daughter, Stacy, and son-in-law, Igor; her cherished grandchildren, Nikolai (8) and Fiona (5); her siblings Kenny, Leslee, and Rori; alongside a circle of adoring nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loren Graham, and her parents, Lynn and Vic Giannini.
The family has created an online memorial through Neptune Society, where you can view and share photos, videos, and cherished stories or memories..
Her energy, warmth, and loving spirit will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
