Nadine E. Gray

In early childhood Nadine moved to Elgin, Illinois with her parents and siblings. She was a graduate of Elgin High School where she was active in the drama club. She participated in the local community theatre and was a member of the First Baptist Church Youth Group. After graduating from high school Nadine was employed by Block and Kuhl Department Stores in Elgin as Department Head/Buyer for the Children’s/Baby Department. In this position, Nadine travelled extensively to Chicago and New York.

Nadine married Robert Gray on August 22, 1947 and then moved to St. Helens, Oregon where she worked with her husband in the family owned jewelry business. After three years of marriage and the birth of their only child, Janice, in April, 1950, Robert passed away from complications of a WWII related illness. In 1951, Nadine and Janice moved to Portland, Oregon where she worked in the wholesale diamond jewelry business. In 1956 she joined the First National Bank of Oregon as a customer service representative.

After her retirement from the First National Bank, Nadine was active in the Portland Rose Festival Association, working as a judge in the Junior Princess Competition. Nadine was an avid golfer. She enjoyed tennis, ice skating, bowling, and weekends at the beach.

Nadine is survived by her daughter Janice Hust of Portland, Oregon, her sister Rayette Miller of Elgin, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Gray, parents Rayburn and Ressie Bain, brother James Bain, and sisters Bernadine Rumple and Ruth Bain.

Interment will be private. A gathering of friends and family in remembrance of Nadine will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting American War Veterans in Nadine’s memory.