Mary Catherine Gray

Mary Catherine Gray March 24, 1939 – July 20, 2026 Mary passed peacefully to the presence of the Lord on July 20, 2026. She was raised in Decatur, Illinois with parents Daniel and Elinor Gage and sisters Jane and Beth. Mary attended Millikin University where she met her future husband, Cliff Gray. They married on August 27, 1960 and moved to Oregon. As a young mother, she obtained her master’s degree in comparative literature. Mary began her career teaching grades 3-5 with Corvallis Public Schools. Later in her career she developed curriculum and supported both teachers and students in the talented and gifted program. An active member of the Presbyterian Church, Mary served as a deacon, elder and choir member at First Presbyterian Church of Corvallis. A highlight was traveling with the choir to a church in Uzhgarod, Ukraine on the day their citizens voted to become an independent state from the Soviet Union. Mary enjoyed Oregon, with Corvallis, Newport, Sisters, Eddyille, and Portland becoming favorite locations for gatherings with friends and family. In 2012, Mary and Cliff moved to Portland to be closer to family. She continued to enjoy sharing her teaching skills and love of language, reading, and writing with her grandchildren. Mary and Cliff enjoyed travel, including visits to France, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Prague, and Ireland. Highlights included visits to the Netherlands to see Joan, the AFS exchange student they hosted in Oregon, and trips with grandchildren to Belieze, Ireland, Washington D.C. and Wales. She was the proud mother of two children: Kevin (Dawn) and Robert (Sally). She was also a devoted grandmother to Ryan, Carly (Zachary), Connor, and Lauren (Brandon). An enthusiastic supporter of their endeavors, her love and guidance shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Cliff, and her sister, Beth Gage. Her family is comforted by the promise of her eternal life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Daniel and Elinor Gage Memorial Scholarship at Millikan University at www.millikin.edu or Attn: Development Office, 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522. “Life is short and we have not too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. Oh, be swift to love. Make haste to be kind.” -Henri Frederic Amiel

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Mary Catherine Gray

March 24, 1939 - July 20, 2026