I was born April 15, 1941 in Vancouver after my parents Sydney and Georgina Steele arrived from Belfast, Ireland. I had an older brother Desmond, and lived my early years in the Ivanhoe Apartments on east 7th Avenue. Eventually my family moved to a new house on east 8th Avenue and I proudly attended Vancouver Technical High school. On Valentines Day 1956, at age 14 I met Jim Gray at a school roller skating party at Rollerland.
The two of us quickly became a couple, and we still remain close friends with several of our classmates, Van Tech graduates of 1959. Great memories I will never forget ! Jim and I were married February 16, 1963 at Lakeview United Church in East Vancouver. In 1965 our first baby, Lisa was born and in 1969 we completed our family with another daughter, Jana. We raised our family in Coquitlam surrounded by good friends and sport teammates, especially soccer. Many of those early met friends are still close today. In 2002 Jim and I moved to West Kelowna. Here I made several new friends in the Friendship Club, Tennis Club, Book Club, Bridge Club, and my TOPS Club. My days were always busy and fun filled.
In 2016 at age 75, I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and I quickly discovered we have a terrific Cancer Clinic here in Kelowna. The oncologists who cared for me and the chemo nurses who encouraged me were amazing, every single one of them. I credit them with helping me fight for some valuable extra years. I did not let the cancer stop me from doing anything I wanted to do. Jim and I feel fortunate to have been surrounded by caring, selfless, helpful, amazing neighbours in Shannon Woods. Anything we need help with is covered by these fine souls.
My grandchildren are a constant source of joy in my life. Our daughter Jana and her boys, Parker,19, Cooper,15, and Fynn,12, live close by in Lake Country. Jana has a wonderful supportive partner in Bruce. Daughter Lisa lives in Maple Ridge with son Heath,15, daughter Mairyn,13, and her dedicated husband Dan, who teases me mercilessly for any reason, in good fun of course. I am proud to be the Nana to our wonderful family.
On April 7, at 10:00 a.m. I chose to take my final rest, just 8 days short of my 80th birthday. I have been in the care of the many kind, compassionate people at Hospice House for my final 9 days. I take great comfort knowing that Jim, Lisa and Jana were with me every day until the end, and I left in peace. A wonderful life lived to the fullest.
With all my love to all of you, Maureen Ann Gray
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
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