FLORENCE M. GRAY (REMILLARD)

     Florence Mae (Remillard) Gray, 93, of Worcester and South Dennis, MA. passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, surrounded by her loving family at Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Worcester. She was the wife of the late Robert F. Gray of Worcester, who died in 2007.

Florence was born in Worcester on July 11, 1922, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Doherty) Remillard of Worcester.

She is survived by her children, Maureen Dunker and her husband Kenneth of Princeton, Barbarann Girouard and her husband James of Auburn, John Gray and his wife Linda, Michael Gray from Worcester and Juliann Hamilton of Charlton.

Florence “Gi Gi” is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers Fred Remillard, Francis Remillard, Thomas Remillard, Robert Remillard, and her sister Ellen Thibeault.

Florence attended Worcester public schools, and after high school worked as a sales clerk for Logan, Swift, and Brigham of Worcester. Shortly after turning 21, on November 20, 1943, Florence enlisted in the U.S. Navy becoming a proud member of WAVES. She received her formal training in New York City and upon completion was selected for an assignment in Washington D.C. and remained there for the duration of World War II.

After her discharge from the Navy in 1946, Florence returned to Worcester where she met the love of her life and future husband, US Army veteran Robert Gray. They were married in 1948, eventually bought their first home in Worcester, and raised their family of five children there.

During the 1980s they bought a second home in Dennis Port on Cape Cod and along with their growing family enjoyed many wonderful summers and weekends there. When retirement was approaching, they bought a larger home in South Dennis and eventually moved there full time. Florence enjoyed reading a good book, playing cards, knitting, baking, and spending as much time as possible on the beach. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Holy Trinity Hospice Team for their thoughtfulness and care.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester are Friday, October 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 10, from the funeral home with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38103.