Obituary of Mary Gray

Mary “Elsie” Beddall Gray passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 20, 2005 at the age of 94 years. Elsie was born on September 18, 1910 at The Durrant Ranch in Livingstone, AB. Elsie was schooled at home and in Pincher Creek, AB and graduated from Garbutt Business School in Calgary. Elsie and Bill were married in 1940, living in British Columbia and Alberta. Elsie’s life was filled with love for her family and friends. For Elsie, home in her heart was always the ranch north of Lundbreck. Elsie will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Margaret Sawka of Calgary, Dr. Neil M. Gray (Linda) of St. Albert, AB and Harold Gray of Vancouver, BC; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Elsie is also survived by her beloved sister Rachel Dwyer of Lundbreck, AB; her brother Ed (Eileen) Smith of Victoria, BC; sisters-in-law Effie Fraser (Smith) of Pincher Creek, AB, Bernice Smith of Cowansville, QC, Joan Duvall Smith of New Zealand, Marcella Gray and Olene Gray of Claresholm, AB, Aida Gray of Calgary, Nancy Larbalestier of Edmonton, AB; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom gave her great pleasure on their visits. Elsie was predeceased by her husband William Neil Gray in 1991; three brothers, Lynn, Harold and Bernard Smith; sisters-in-law Ruth Duval Smith, Betty London, and Grace Inglis; brothers-in-law, Cecil London, James Inglis, John, James, and Henry Gray, and Duncan Larbalestier. At Elsie’s request no Service will be held at this time. A family Memorial Service will be held in the spring at Granum, AB where her husband Bill was laid to rest. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Salvation Army, 420 – 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0R9 Telephone: (403) 410-1111, www.salvationarmy.org. Many thanks to Dr. Wheeler and the staff at the Holy Cross Care Centre in Calgary. Special appreciation is extended to Lorraine Torvik, Korenna Kardell and Barbara Helwig, Personal Care Givers, for their many acts of love and kindness. In living memory of Elsie Gray, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5 Telephone: (403) 243-8200.