It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of our dear mother, Eileen. She was the only daughter of Florence(nee Martin) and Wilfrid Frise(dec), and sister to Bill Frise(dec), all of Calgary, Alberta. Happily married to Dr. W. Goldie Gray for 33 years who predeceased her in 1984. Eileen was also grateful for the loving companionship she had with Bob Steel(dec) for 17 years. Adored by her five children; Christie(Robert Cunningham) of Melbourne, Australia, Jim(Lisa Kidd) of Crawfordsville, Indiana, Barbara(Brendan Mulroy) of Owen Sound, Bill(Irma Valiente-Roman) of Owen Sound, Barry(Veronique Soustre) of Nissen Lez Enserune, France. She was dearly loved by her 17 grandchildren. Treasured and sadly missed by her extended step-family; Dr. Alexander and Cheryl Gray, and families; Marguerite Gray(dec) all of Sarnia, Ontario.
Eileen was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. In her twenties she left her beloved Rocky Mountains and moved east to Sarnia, Ontario where she met and married Goldie Gray. They moved to Markdale in 1951 when Dr. Goldie was recruited as a general surgeon for Centre Grey Hospital.
Mom was devoted to family and friends, and a second mother to many. Holiday dinners were very special and there was always room at her table for one more. She loved music. Hiking and cycling in her youth, was replaced with curling in Markdale. Eileen’s extensive involvement with community and church gave her tremendous satisfaction.
She exemplified compassion, inner strength and above all, love and grace in all that she did. She was the anchor of the family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Central Place Retirement community for their care and consideration, as they added joy to Mom’s life in her final years. We would also like to thank Mom’s private caregivers, Maegan, Katie and the staff from A Caring Soul caregiver service for their compassionate and competent care over the past months and weeks. Our mother greatly appreciated everyone’s kindness and assistance.
At Mother’s request, there will be a private family service, with internment beside Dad in the Markdale Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory, are asked to consider the Dr. Goldie and Mrs. Eileen Gray Memorial Scholarship Endowed Funds for students at Grey Highlands Secondary School, or if preferred, a donation to Christ Church Anglican in Markdale. Online donations and condolences at www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca 888-924-2810
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