Ilizana “Zani” Spekmanis Graff

Ilizana "Zani" Spekmanis Graff, 69, passed away January 16, 2014 after a long battle with cancer and respiratory illnesses in Hardeeville, South Carolina.

Mrs. Graff was born August 21, 1944 in Riga, Latvia to Ernst and Zelma Spekmanis. The Soviet occupation prompted Zelma to flee the country with her daughters and mother soon after Ilizana's birth. They lived as war refugees in Dresden and Bremen for seven years, when a congregation in Syracuse, NY sponsored immigration for the family.

Mrs. Graff graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse, NY in 1962 and graduated with honors from the Crouse College of Music at Syracuse University in 1968. She was a member of the social sorority, Daugaviete.

Mrs. Graff served for many years as the music and choir director for United Methodist Church in Lisle, Illinois, along with opening her private piano studio in 1979. When her family moved to Kansas City, she continued private piano instruction at their home in Lenexa, Kansas for 25 years.

Mrs. Graff was an active member of the Kansas City Music Teachers Association and Federated Teachers Association, and served as KCMTA president for two terms.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Lawrence; her sons, Adam (Laura) and Jason (Khalifah); four grandchildren, Avery Graff, Lucy Graff, Lena Graff and David Johnson; sister, Amanda Dausman; and niece, Jennifer Dausman.

A Memorial Service will be held a 1:30 p.m., on February 8th, 2014 at the Amos Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that condolences may be sent through charitable donations to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.