Kathleen Gray

GRAY, Kathleen (nee Clark)….

Peacefully, on Friday, November 9, 2018 at her residence, Kathleen (nee Clark) Gray, of London passed away in her 100th year. Beloved wife of the late John “Jack” Gray (2014). Loving mother of Bonnie Gray of Stratford, PEI, Nancy Woodworth (Blake Fisher) of London, Brian Gray of Port Stanley, Tim Gray and his wife Evie of Ottawa, David Gray and his wife Susan of London. Cherished grandmother of Christopher Caughlin and his wife Kelly, Brandan Woodworth, Erin Woodworth, Carter Gray, Sam Gray, Mackenzie Gray and Sara Gray and great-grandmother of Ella Caughlin. Loving aunt to Donna Henry, Margie Welch, Jean Noyes, Bruce Clark (Judith) and Susan Smith. Predeceased by her siblings Melvin, Ruby, Alec, Robert Bruce “R.B.”, Margaret and Isabel.

Born and raised on a farm in Dutton, Ontario, Kathleen left after secondary school to pursue nursing studies at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chatham. She further specialized in neonatal nursing. She nursed at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Westminster Hospital in London, Ontario until her marriage to Jack in 1947. Throughout her years of full-time motherhood and raising 5 children with Jack, she was also very active at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church. Kathleen was an avid gardener and enjoyed golfing, bridge and ballroom dancing with Jack. In their retirement years she and Jack were able to travel extensively but loved nothing more than to host their friends, children and grandchildren at their cottage in Southcott Pines.

Kathleen supported numerous local charities and believed strongly in empowering youth through education. To this end, her philanthropy also extended to supporting education to hundreds of youth in East Africa. Most recently she initiated a nursing bursary fund that has produced many nursing graduates in Tanzania and assists current nursing students.

The family wishes to thank the many kind and caring individuals who provided support to Kathleen, especially after she was widowed in 2014. Kathleen made many wonderful friends throughout her 7 years at the Royalcliffe and so treasured the happiness and support they brought to her life. Many thanks to all the staff at Royalcliffe Retirement Home and in particular the nursing staff who were so attentive and compassionate over the years – Jay, Susan, Joanne, Wendy, Nicole, Natasha and Marlene. In her final year Kathleen required additional support and the family were blessed to have the caring services of Rachelle, Darlene, Mariane, Candace and Patricia. Kathleen so appreciated each and every one. She was delighted to have Amy return to help in her apartment as she had done over past years. A very special thanks to Renée, an outstanding reflexologist, whose skill and love greatly added to the quality of life for both Kathleen and Jack. How Kathleen enjoyed her weekly visits from Susie who “made her beautiful” over so many years and was a dear friend. Finally, the family wish to thank the excellent Palliative Team of South West LHIN whose skilled support allowed Kathleen to stay in her home in her final few days.

Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 2 pm at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Avenue East, London, ON N6C 1J4. Cremation to follow with interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society, 117-4500 Blakie Road, London, ON, N6L 1G5, the Memorial Fund of Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church or the Presbyterian World Service & Development, via The Presbyterian Church in Canada, 50 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1J7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com