MARY HELEN GRAY

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MARY HELEN GRAY Helen Gray passed away peacefully on June 24, 2011. She was born in Winnipeg in 1924 to Lewis and Mary Smith, attending Queenston, Robert H. Smith and Kelvin High Schools. Helen spent many happy years at the University of Manitoba participating in freshie week, cheerleading and the Phi Beta Kappa sorority. She graduated from Home Economics and the School of Social Work with skills she used to raise her active family and to volunteer with The Junior League of Winnipeg and St. Andrews River Heights United Church. Helen married William H. Gray in 1947 and together they enjoyed their six children, spending wonderful summers at Victoria Beach and West Hawk Lake. She shared in many of their activities and enjoyed ice dancing with Bill at the Winnipeg Winter Club. Her appreciation of art led to gallery visits and world travels. Helen accompanied Bill on his volunteer assignments to Borneo, Costa Rica and Lesotho. She was predeceased by her brother John and eldest son William Lewis and survived by daughters Ainslie, Nancy (Allan Smeall), Barb (Ted Bigelow) Cari (John Canning), son Ian (Katie Slater), 15 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Flowers are gratefully declined. Helen always welcomed a dog as a special member of our family. She was a strong supporter of the Humane Society. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for late August.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2011