ETHEL GRAY (MCWILLIAM)

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ETHEL GRAY (nee MCWILLIAM) The family announces the death of Ethel Gray (nee McWilliam) at the Lions' Prairie Manor on December 9, 2008. Ethel was 92 years old. At age five, Ethel's family, with her five older siblings, Edith, Ernest, Emily, Violet, and Cecil, emigrated from Ireland to Clive, Alberta. Ethel moved to Portage la Prairie after her senior graduation to stay with her sister and to find a career. She was predeceased by her infant daughter Patricia Joan, her husband Wallace Thomas Gray, and all members of her generation of the McWilliam and Gray families. Ethel is survived by sons, Ronald (Joan) and Clive (Peggy); three grandsons, Bryan, John, and Devon; Bryan's children, William, Taylor and Hannah and Devon's Mason; two granddaughters, Mari-Lyn (and her children Elisha and Heather) and Michelle (and her children, Melanie and Jordan). Ethel and Wally moved from their farm to Portage la Prairie in 1954. Ethel then began a long career in the office of the Metropolitan Store. She was a dedicated member of the MacKenzie United Church, the Women's Institute and the Order of the Rebekah Lodge. She and Wally were serious campers, locally, and as far away as Vancouver Island during their working years. Retirement meant travelling - Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii and across Canada and the United States. Wally and Ethel were a loyal and faithful couple. Ethel thrived when she was learning . . . . through her experiences and especially through the informative books she read. After Wally's death, Ethel was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. During her stay at the Lions Club Manor, the staff enjoyed her sense of humour and her clever wit. We honour and express our sincere gratitude to all those who cared for and respected Ethel while she resided at the Manor . We quote one of Ethel's (most often spoken) comments, The Girls are always so good to me here. A private family interment at Hillside Cemetery is planned. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba. Arrangements are by Ronald Moffit Memorial Services, Portage la Prairie, 1-204-856-3487.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2008