RENA WRAY

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RENA WRAY Peacefully on October 24, 2008 at the age of 76 years, (Alexanderena Mardel Wray) Mom passed away with her loving family at her side in the Priory Hospital, Victoria, British Columbia. Rena was born September 20, 1932 on a farm near Meacham, Saskatchewan. She often talked about her cherished horse Flossie, who was the love of her life as a child. Mom was raised in the Saskatoon area, and then spent time with her aunt and uncle in Moose Jaw where she attended high school. Rena's lifelong zest for learning and her desire to tackle new challenges led her to several different careers, ranging from railway teletype operator, airport weather office reporter, and YWCA Director of Finance. Driving her unheated VW convertible with the roof wide open on a cold winter day typified Mom's Scandinavian hardiness. In 1958, she married Bob Wray and then raised three children. Mom and Dad moved from Regina to Winnipeg, Manitoba with their family in 1969, and then Mom relocated to Victoria 24 years later so that she could be closer to her daughter. Forever gracious, Mom was always available to provide a warm hug, a broad smile, and words of encouragement. Above all, she valued education, courtesy, and kindness. Rena will be lovingly remembered by her sisters Ione and Marlene of Calgary, Alberta; by her daughter Karen, son-in-law James, and grandsons Quinton and Landon of Victoria; by her son Dave, daughter-in-law Lynda, and granddaughters Jennifer and Megan of Winnipeg; by her son Craig and daughter-in-law Martina of Oakland, California; by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and by her dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents William Sylvester and Gina Mattson and by her brother Lyle Sylvester. A private family interment of Mom's remains will take place later this week at Hatley Memorial Gardens in Victoria. The family sincerely thanks Dr. Lintern and the Arbutus Cottage and Priory Hospital staff for their tender loving care of Mom over many years. In lieu of flowers, friends so wishing may donate to the Priory Hospital through the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC V8T 2B7, 250-370-5664, SANDS FUNERAL CHAPELS 250-478-3821

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2008