Mary Doreen Gray

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Mary Doreen Myers Gray

(95 years) on Tuesday June 27, 2023 beloved wife of Bill Gray for 72 years who passed December

28, 2021.

Dear mother of Joanne Dignem (Rick), Stephen Gray (Pam), Theresa Sorichetti (David), Janet

Keefer (Paul), Colleen McNeill (Jamie) and David Gray (Heather). Loving Grandmother to Janet Dignem, Jaimee-Lynne Timleck (Ryan), Curtis Gray (Dr. Lyndsay Gray), Cameron Gray, Samantha Gray (Bryan Kirow), Jacquelyn Sorichetti (Nick Graham), Brendan Sorichetti (Amy Herald), Callum McNeill, Bryn McNeill, Keeley Gray (Tyler Jackson ) and McAulay Gray. Great Grandmother to Clara and Nathan Graham, Emery, Kylie and Kayce Timleck and Lillian Gray. Mary leaves behind her youngest sister Pauline (Late Dr. Ron Masotti) and sister in law Jean Myers and was predeceased by her sisters Theresa (Bill Pelow), Margaret (Basil Beneteau), Eileen (Jack Sutton) and brothers Francis Myers (Margaret), Jack Myers (Betty) and Leo Myers. She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was born and raised in Kingston Ontario on Oct. 8,1927 into a large loving family which was the primary motivation to have a big family herself. Mom loved to share memories of time working at the Bank of Montreal as a teller before marrying our father Bill and moving to Whitby in 1958 where they raised 6 children in a busy home. Friends and family were always welcomed.

Mom lived her best life focusing on the positive and believing in the virtue of kindness. Mom’s

virtue of showing love was clearly demonstrated in her sympathetic, affectionate, warmhearted

and considerate nature. Our Mom provided an incredible role model for us all. She believed “ if

you have nothing nice to say then say nothing at all”. Her strength, determination and stamina

allowed Mom to live the life she wanted in her Whitby home until a year ago when she moved

to Taunton Mills Retirement Living.

Our mother had a great flare for fashion and prided herself by always looking good, even when

her eyesight deteriorated. Mom would say her secret for a long healthy life was staying in shape, eating well and enjoying a beer. She was an avid golfer at Country Lane until her mid 80’s. She enjoyed reading, gardening, swimming daily in her backyard pool and cross country skiing . Mom and Dad loved to travel and saw many parts of the world . Mom was a fabulous cook and loved hosting large extended family gatherings. Sneaking Christmas homemade cookies and tarts from the freezer, was a skill all 6 kids developed early. Mom was passionate about Bridge nights and competing in duplicate bridge tournaments with Dad. Mom looked forward to reading the daily bridge updates for helpful hints.

Family and faith were at the core of what mom believed in. Mom had a passion for her faith and was an active member of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Whitby for over 50 years. During difficult times Mom held fast to her faith. To say she takes comfort in her relationship with God would be an understatement. She finds her very life in that relationship. Mom appreciated Rev. Francisco Fernandez Siles, Pastor of her church, giving her final blessings.

Nothing made Mom happier than spending time with her great grandchildren. This magical relationship brought the biggest smile to her face. Chatting with little great grand babies sitting on her lap, was a blessing in her life she cherished.

The poem George Frost wrote for his father captures beautifully our “Mother Mary”, “Mighty

Mary” and recently “Miracle Mary” philosophy on life.

“I’ve had my life and enjoyed every second, but as it is, another life beckoned.

It’s important to know that I have not gone. And I hope that, on you all, my light has shone.

Stay in the sunshine, rest never in the shade. Don’t curse my absence, at who’s light you’ll

evade. I live in the smiles, the moon, stars and sky. And I feel eternal pride as I watch you all

fly. And for my darling children who wonder what to do. Just have a wonderful time, as I will,

live through you”.

Mom, we love and will miss you.

Thank you so much for the memories you've left behind,

it'll be our path to greater heights.

Live forever in our heart!

The family would like to give a special thanks to Mom’s private support, whom she viewed as her God-given daughters, Lisa and Tracey, for their incredible kindness, compassion and care provided to our mother. Special thanks to Schlegel Villages -The Village of Taunton Mills - Retirement Living for their kindness and care. Thanks to Lakeridge Health Oshawa Cardiac floor and Bowmanville Hospital Continuing Care unit for the compassionate staff and medical care provided.

Our mother's celebration of life will begin with a Mass on Monday July 24,2023 @ 10:30 am at

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Whitby. Interment at Resurrection Catholic

Cemetery 355 Taunton Rd. E, Whitby.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Alzheimer's Society of Durham, or Meals on Wheels, would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be placed at www.oshawafuneralhome.com

Livestream link: https://fweb.tv/105094