Nellene Marie Gray

Nellen Marie Gray, 76, of Gilbert, AZ died 7/8/2023, in Chandler, AZ. She was surrounded by loved ones until the end and went with grace and dignity. She was born on October 8, 1946, in Kalamazoo, Mi. Nell attended Baker College and received her bachelor’s degree in business administration while working full-time for the college.

She married Ronald ‘Jack’ Gray on 7/31/1994 and they had 6 children combined to blend into one unit. She worked as an office manager and business admin. in higher education for close to 18 years. She said the highlight of her job was getting to know the students and watching them graduate. She would keep a candy bowl on her desk just for the students that liked to stop by and chat. She was an avid league golfer and bowler for 20+ years and a good one at that. She was a devoted reader. Her book collection was quite extensive until the Kindle was born. Her purse was NEVER without her Kindle or iPad. Her ability to figure out very difficult crossword puzzles was uncanny. She loved volunteering her time with the American Legion Post 91 Auxiliary for many years. Her greatest accomplishment if you asked her was raising her kids and being a mom. She wanted nothing more her whole life than to have children.

Nell is survived by Jack Gray, spouse; her sons Tom Sabourin (Shelley Sabourin), and Brian Sabourin (Alycia Lyon), daughter Jessica Mesa (Ari Mesa), and grandchildren Emily, Adam, Jordan, Abby, Wesley, Brendan, Evi, Eli She was preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Kathleen Werner and her siblings Ron, John, Terry, Frank, & Darlene. A private invitation celebration of life will take place in a few weeks to allow time for the family that is traveling to attend. She did not want anything morbid or anyone wearing drab dark colors. She wanted a party! When details are finalized, more info will be relayed via social and family.

In Lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made to one of the butterfly rescues/habitats linked below in Nell’s name. Saveourbutterlfy.com sends a butterfly necklace in return for your donation. The butterfly was her spirit guide and a symbol of strength, freedom, and transformation. It would be her honor to know we are cultivating these pollinators.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Gray family.