Mary Jane Gray, 89

Blue Earth — Mary Jane Gray, age 89, of Blue Earth passed away March 24, 2008, peacefully at her home in Blue Earth. The Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth was held March 29, 2008 with Father Mark McNea officiating.

Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Jane was born on Jan. 26, 1919 in Minneapolis to Helen (White) and Arthur Grimm. She had one brother, James. Mary Jane graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis as valedictorian of her class. She attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul with a full scholarship until her mother’s illness required her assistance. On April 11, 1942 she married Harold Gray in Minneapolis. They moved to Blue Earth in 1946.

Over the years, Mary Jane was active in numerous organizations. She was honored as the 1989 Woman of Achievement and was also the Mitchell Chautauqua’s Woman of the Year. She was always busy with family and community activities. Mary Jane was especially active in Catholic Daughters, Legion of Mary and Friendly Stitchers. She loved to visit with family and friends. She listened. She was a source of strength and inspiration to many, “a shining star”. Mary Jane loved her travels to Rome and the Holy Land. She was employed at the Developmental Achievement Center for 17 years. Mary Jane’s philosophy of life is that “Each day is a gift from God to be used wisely, to be present to others in loving, caring and sharing.”

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Harold, six children: Sallie (Bob) Raleigh of Belle Plaine, Helen (Stuart) Peterson of Le Sueur, Margaret (Gail) Anderson of Dolliver, Iowa, Marianne (Joel) Brenckman of Willmar, Richard (Beth) Gray of Oklawaha, Fla., and Jennifer Gray (friend, Marvin) of Blue Earth along with 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

Online condolences and personal e-mails may be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com.