LILLIAN FRANCIS GRAY

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LILLIAN FRANCIS GRAY November 9, 1922 - April 8, 2004 On April 8, 2004, our beloved mother, Lillian Francis Gray, passed away peacefully at the Seven Oaks Hospital surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her husband James (Tom) Gray (1981) and her son Rik Lorne Gray (1986). Remaining to cherish her memory are son James (Anne-Marie) Gray, of St. Andrews, MB; daughters, Roberta (David) Hayward of Crofton, BC, Judi Gray of White Rock, BC, Joan (Gerry) Laramee of Winnipeg and son Glen Gray and partner Lenore of Winnipeg. She will be sadly missed by her loving grandchildren, Wanda (Chris) Kopec, Tim and Mike Hayward, Trina (Rodger) Engelson, Ryan Paszkowski, Lisa (Randy) Hiebert, Nicole (Chris) Schulz and Adam and Daniel Gray, as well as nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sisters, Kay (Doug) Skerritt, Betty (Lorne) Visca of Winnipeg and Alice Galloway of St. Catherines, ON. Lillian was born in Langruth, MB and spent her childhood years in Camper, MB. There she met and married Tom Gray on November 9, 1939. They made several moves within Manitoba over the years while raising their six children. They resided in Winnipeg, Lorette and finally Teulon where Tom passed away in 1981. Mom worked in the housekeeping department at the Teulon Hospital for 10 years and loved her job there. She eventually came back to Winnipeg and then on to Paradise Village, a community near Ste. Anne. She made many friends there, but had to eventually move back to Winnipeg to be closer to her family. Mom was happiest when surrounded by friends and family and always lived her life for her family. She was a one of a kind person, what she thought, she said; she gave us many laughs throughout the years. She was kind, generous and always willing to help out. Many of her grandchildren stayed at her home in Winnipeg for varying lengths of time and grew to love her deeply. When Mom went into the hospital less than two weeks ago, she did not realize she had cancer and it was a blessing that she did not have to suffer a long time. We would like to express our deep appreciation for the staff in palliative care at Seven Oaks Hospital and especially Darlene who helped us deal with her passing. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at Immanuel United Church, 755 Golspie (corner of Kimberley and Golspie in East Kildonan) at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the church. Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren, Wanda Kopec, Tim Hayward, Ryan Paszkowski, Lisa Hiebert and Adam Gray. There will be a private family service at Lakeside Cemetery in Dog Lake, MB at a later date. Should you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, it can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., at Room ON 1160 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2004