Obituary of Patricia A Gray
Patricia Ann Gray, age 82, formerly of Lincoln Park, New Jersey passed away at Oakland Healthcareand Rehabilitation Center on February 1, 2018.
Patricia Ann (nee Neagus) was born and raised in New Bedford, MA. She attended St. Mary School andHoly Family High School in that city and graduated in 1957 from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts with a degree in elementary education. After graduation, it was a year of several firsts for Pat as she began her teaching career at John B. Devalles Elementary School in New Bedford and also married the love of her life, Donald, in August of 1957.
Pat and Don resided in New Bedford during the early years of their marriage while Don finished his education and graduated as an engineer from the University of Massachusetts. A new job prospect for Don brought them to New Jersey where they would raise their family and enjoy of lifetime of memories.
Pat will be remembered for her strong, independent nature and service to others. Throughout her career, Pat taught elementary students in New Bedford, MA., as well as Wayne, Pequannock and Lincoln Park, NJ. After retiring from teaching, Pat’s desire to work kept her busy in bookkeeping and accounting for several area businesses and as aide to the mayor of Lincoln Park before embarking on a project near and dear to her heart -
the Lincoln Park Food Pantry. Pat continued to help local residents in need there for over 25 years. She also tutored many students during that time and was instrumental in the formation of the Lincoln Park Education Foundation. Pat remained an active parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Lincoln Park for over 50 years. She served as a Eucharistic minister and participated in many activities and fund raisers with the church and Diocese of Paterson; including the Catholic League.
Together, Pat and Don shared a mutual love of music and adventure and became avid travelers inretirement. When not wintering in Kissimmee, Florida, they ventured to California, Oregon, Branson, Missouriand enjoyed two tours to Ireland and Europe. Pat lost her beloved husband, Don in 2011. We take comfort inthe fact that they are now reunited.
Pat is also predeceased by her mother, father, and brother. She is survived by her son, David, ofPompton Plains, NJ; daughter Kathy and her husband, John McGee, of Lincoln Park as well as grandchildren,Sean, Timothy, and Caitlin McGee; two nieces, a nephew, and a large extended family.
Friends and loved ones may visit the family on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Keri Memorial FuneralHome 125 Main St. Lincoln Park, NJ from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at OurLady of the Magnificat Church, 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon, NJ at 10:00 a.m. with internment at Our Lady of theMagnificat Cemetery immediately following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association atlbda.org.