Mary Gray

Mary Gray was a loving wife, an attentive and nurturing mother, and a doting grandmother who treasured her family above all else. Life was not always easy for Mary, but she faced each trial with a graceful strength that is hard to find. She had a special place in her heart for animals and a deep love for being on the water. Mary was friendly, outgoing, and rather laid back, never one to worry about the little things in life. Those who knew Mary knew she had a hard time parting with things and never could resist a good bargain. She leaves behind lessons in strength, perseverance, and love that will be her lasting legacy.

During a year in which a minimum wage was established, a giant hurricane hammered the east coast leaving 63,000 people homeless, and Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs delighted audiences, 1938 was a year to remember in America. It was on October 22nd of that same year that Marvin and Marie (Grooters) DeBree welcomed their daughter, Mary, into their hearts and home. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mary was one of three children in her family and the only girl. Tragedy struck at a young age for Mary with the death of her father when she was quite young, although her mother would later remarry. Mary’s family had a cottage on Green Lake where she loved to swim and lay in the sun, marking the beginning of a lifelong love of the sun. She attended local schools including Central High School. Mary left school after the 11th grade and went to work at Michigan Bell.

It was also as a young woman that Mary met and married William Sheehan in 1956. The couple was later blessed with two sons, Tommy and Mike, and one daughter, Dawn. When their children were younger, the Sheehan family often went camping at Grand Haven. They stayed in a big tent and Mary savored the time she was able to spend playing in the water and laying on the beach. She supported her children throughout their various activities, never missing a school event or a game. Mary was a good cook who liked to cook a variety of things for her family rather than prepare the same meal over and over. Although her marriage to William ended in divorce after 17 years, she was forever grateful for the children they shared.

After her divorce, Mary kept busy. She found work at Michigan Tag where she remained for a few years. She enjoyed getting together with friends and playing cards or occasionally going out to eat. Mary loved spending time out in her garden that boasted of both flowers and vegetables. Some of her yield was enjoyed throughout the year as she did some canning, too. Mary went back to school and graduated from Comstock Park High School in her early forties, an accomplishment she was so very proud of. She loved going shopping, often with her daughter. They loved looking for bargains together and hitting garage sales, too. Mary tended to keep things rather than get rid of them and established many collections through the years.

Life was forever changed for Mary when she made the acquaintance of Jerry Gray. They later married on December 21, 1982, which was also her mother’s anniversary. Mary and Jerry’s greatest love together was spending time on their boat. They initially kept their boat in Grand Haven, but for many years they have kept their boat at Harbour Towne Yacht Club in Muskegon where they established many friendships. Mary and Jerry’s boat was like a summer cottage in many ways as they often stayed overnight on the boat and often invited their children and grandchildren to join them. For six years, she and Jerry enjoyed going to the Pacific coast of Mexico on vacation during the winters. They loved trading in the cold, Michigan wind and snow in for the beautiful sun and glorious sand and surf.

Although Mary enjoyed many things throughout her life, it was the people in her life who truly made her heart sing. She delighted in her grandchildren and was willing to help out with them whenever she was able. Mary was deeply saddened with the deaths of two of her children and her brother, too. The days following their deaths were understandably heart wrenching for Mary, but she carried on with life as best she could. Mary loved animals including their many dogs, cats, and guinea pigs through the years. She hated to see any animal die, even if it was a fish that Jerry caught or a deer that Mike got while hunting that he was so proud of.

In 2000, Mary began struggling with her health. She was diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease, a type of pneumonia, and after spending several days in the hospital on life support, she suffered a stroke. Over the remaining 10 years of her life, Mary’s health slowly declined. While still able to converse, her mobility was limited to wheelchairs for the last seven years or so. During the last three years, Mary has been predominantly homebound as getting out of the house was difficult.

Combined with both poise and strength, Mary Gray brought so much light and life to the world around her. She cherished her family and saw caring for them to be her greatest gift. Mary was easygoing and rather lenient when it came to being a disciplinarian as her gentle spirit was one of her greatest assets. She had a good sense of humor despite the fact that someone usually had to explain jokes to her. A truly remarkable woman, Mary will be dearly missed.

Mary K. Gray Comstock Park died on September 7, 2010. Mary’s family includes her husband, Jerry Gray; her son and daughter-in-law Mike (Pam) Sheehan; stepchildren Scott (Haylea) Gray, Kris Gray, Cindy (John) Hickman; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; her brother and sisters-in-law Richard (Carol) DeBree and Donna DeBree. Mary was preceded in death by her children, Tommy Sheehan and Dawn Sheehan, and by her brother, Dale DeBree. Cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Faith Hospice.