PAULINE GRAY

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PAULINE GRAY On Tuesday, May 15, 2007, some three weeks after her eightieth birthday, Pauline Gray (nee McMillan) went gentle into that good night. At the time she was a resident of Tuxedo Villa Nursing Home, where she had received several months of loving care. Pauline left behind her husband of 54 years, Bill. She also left three children: John (children Kristin and Matthew); Mark (wife Anne, children Kelsey, Alanna, and Emily); and Meg (husband Alan, daughter Ellie). Pauline was born in Stratton, Ontario. She had 13 siblings, of whom Olive, Doug, Betty-Lou, Ruth, Mackie, Rocky and Greta remain to mourn her passing. She was predeceased by Aggie, Lloyd, Christie, John, Dorothy and Jimmy. Pauline was orphaned when she was young and moved to Fort Frances, Ontario where she lived with the McTaggarts and their four children. Gordon, Jack, and Ross grieve her loss, Hugh having predeceased her. Pauline married Bill in 1952 and they lived in Winnipeg, where they spent all but a few of her remaining years. There she acquired a wide circle of friends as a result of her active involvement in a full and meaningful life. One of Pauline's joys was swimming. She volunteered as an instructor at the Ferry Road St. James YMCA for years where she taught many an adult to swim. Pauline competed at the masters level, winning more than her fair share of events. In 1997 she was awarded the Bob Harrington Memorial Achievement Award in recognition of her devotion to her club. Not many years afterwards she was forced from the sport she loved by her failing health. Pauline was involved in her children's activities as well. In the 1960s she coached her sons' hockey team to several club championships. This lead to the opportunity to meet Gordie Howe and even decades later she relished recounting her conversation with him. Pauline displayed the same level of enthusiasm for her grandchildren's activities as she had for her children's. Pauline owned and operated the Henderson Highway Dairy Queen for over 20 years. Many a youth received their initiation to the realities of the workforce under her strict but fair and caring tutelage. During this time Pauline obtained her Certificate in Business Administration from RRCC. She was proud of her accomplishment, especially since furthering her education was not an option available to her as a young adult. While she travelled in her early retirement, Pauline's failing mind and body robbed her of many of the opportunities her hard work could have afforded her during her later years. She accepted this stoically during the time she retained the ability to understand what the fates held for her. Words cannot convey the impact Pauline had on many lives. She was principled and compassionate. She was unpretentious and determined. All who knew her admired the high standards she quietly set by example. One would be well served to live by her creed. In keeping with Pauline's wishes, cremation has taken place and in due course her ashes will be blowing in the wind. A memorial reception to celebrate her life and her release from the burden of her illnesses will be held on Monday, May 28 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Charles Country Club, 100 Country Club Boulevard, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, or to honour Pauline, please make a donation to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CE 501- 840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1S1). Neil Bardal Inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2007