March 30, 2025
In Memoriam: Laura R. Grafman
The Valley has sadly lost one of the most amazing and accomplished philanthropy leaders with the passing of Laura Grafman on February 24, 2025, at the age of 92. Her gifts to the community were endless, connecting people, organizations, and resources.
A treasured friend of Virginia Galvin Piper, Laura was appointed as one of the four Lifetime Trustees of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust in 1999, which she described as “the greatest privilege I could have ever received.” Laura embodied the mission and values of Piper Trust and never lost sight of the Trustees’ promise to Virginia to be “careful, creative, and compassionate stewards of her legacy.”
Looking back to 1963, while serving as Director of Student Financial Aid at National College of Education, Evanston, Illinois, the school’s president called on Laura to meet with Virginia Galvin, who was considering making a large donation to the college’s scholarship fund. “I had no idea that day, when I walked into the president’s office, how that moment in time was going to change my life,” Laura said.
Over the years, Laura and Virginia forged a best friendship, which led Laura and her husband, Dayton, to move to Phoenix in the 1970s. Their daughter, Lynn, was the greatest joy of their lives.
Virginia’s devotion to Laura opened many doors for her, beginning with Scottsdale Memorial Hospital (now HonorHealth). Starting as a volunteer and working her way up through the ranks very quickly, Laura became the Executive Vice President of Scottsdale Memorial Hospital Foundation (later becoming HonorHealth Foundation). She was responsible for the first Honor Ball and continued running the event for 45 years. In addition, she raised all of the monies for the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center on the Shea Campus. She continued raising mega millions throughout the course of her esteemed career.
Dayton and Laura were devoted supporters and advocates of classical music and the performing arts. An esteemed Steinway concert pianist, by hobby, and successful development executive, Dayton sadly passed away in 2008. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts named its atrium and lobby in honor of his longstanding service and for curating its nationally-recognized Virginia G. Piper Concert Series.
In 1990, Laura was recognized as the Outstanding Fundraising Executive by the Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals.
"Laura taught me what it means to be a fundraiser,” said Steve Zabilski, President and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. “She wanted the best for our community and only asked in return that we always give our best. She was always willing to help and generously gave her time to mentor others. I am forever grateful to Laura Grafman for her kindness and support.”
She was named one of Maricopa County’s Most Admired Leaders by Phoenix Business Journal in 2013. Laura also received the Trends Charitable Fund’s 2017 Fabulous Phoenician award and was Trends Magazine’s 2006 Best Dressed recipient.
Laura served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Phoenix Symphony Foundation, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and Friends of the Foundation for Senior Living.
Laura Grafman leaves an indelible legacy, underscored by generosity, gratitude, and grace.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Lancaster.
Reflecting Laura’s love of her community, medicine, and music, donations in her honor may be made to: Creighton University Health Sciences Campus–Phoenix, Phoenix Symphony, and Hospice of the Valley. Services are private.