Sean Gray Obituary

Sean Samuel Gray Passed away peacefully on February 16, 2013 surrounded by her loving family after battling a sudden onslaught of Leukemia. She is survived by Todd Gray, her husband of 20 years, her mother Saundra Bolen, her stepfather Stanley Richards, her brothers David, Ray, Jay, and Stephen, and her sisters Cynthia and Elaine.
Born in New Orleans on March 4, 1968, Sean started working for State Farm Insurance as an Auto Claim Representative in 1994 after graduating from the University Of New Orleans with a degree in Psychology. She was promoted into management after being asked to relocate to company headquarters of Bloomington, Illinois in 1998 to oversee the Customer Response Center. One year later she moved to a similar position to develop procedures and open the then brand new State Farm Bank as a result of previous banking experience. In 2000, Sean moved to San Jose as an Auto Claim Representative. Three years later she was promoted to the position of Auto Claim Team Manager in Emeryville and moved to San Anselmo where she lived for nine years.
Sean loved life. She enjoyed traveling, reading, hiking, and trying out new restaurants. She will always be remembered for her smile, warmth, friendliness, and kindness to others.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Monte's Chapel Of The Hills, 330 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960. Services will be at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A secondary memorial service in her hometown of New Orleans will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Sean's name.
Condolences can be sent to Todd and Sean's family at: 16 Skyline Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2013.
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7 years ago we lost you, to that evil cancer, you were so young, so beautiful, so loved and you were taken away from us....but you have remained here in our hearts and memories and conversations all these years...you are with us...loved, now and always...we love you and miss you greatly....our hearts dwell in sadness with your absence and for your early departure...but truly you will remain with us, in our hearts forever...we all love you Sean Marie Samuel Gray...

stephen samuel

Brother

February 13, 2020

Sean
Was a good friend, when I met her the first time was after I send an email to my manager when he let us know that our new Team Manager was coming to meet us
That was the first time I got in trouble or she knew that I was always have something to say. After she got transfer to another section, she always has time to talk to you, about her new cooking experiments that for I heard turn out very good. I'm going to miss her.

Yanira Zelaya

March 2, 2013

I'm sorry if my message shows up twice. I think I accidentally erased it the 1st time.
I met Sean when she was still a teenager and even though I was 7 years older-she was so much more mature than I was. Sean was beautiful both inside and out. We became friends so quickly while working in N.O.; We were room-mates until she met Todd(the Love of her Life)She was one of the best friends I ever had. We had so many adventures together. Sean was so brave; when she was 19 she decided to travel to Europe all by herself. After about a month I was so happy when she called & asked me to meet her there. We ended up traveling all over Europe together. So many countries; so many adventures! Everywhere we went people from all over the world fell in love with her. She'd brighten up any and every place she walked into. We shared so much laughter; she was so much fun to do just about anything with. I learned so much about how to live from Sean and I will pass those lessons on to others as long as I live. She was such a giving & caring person. She was so smart & such a good listener. She was such a loving spirit too. Sean was so talented in so many ways. She was a fellow French Horn player; also an awesome artist & photographer. I'll miss her so much until we meet again. Lately everyone that I talk to here in N.O. that knew her is; at first shocked but then we find ourselves talking for hours about how much fun we all had together when ever she was around. She was loved. Sean touched and changed so many people. I know I am a better person for having met her. Sean was like one of my sisters; I loved her & her family so much. Words cannot really express everything she meant to me. My heart breaks for her family but most of all for Todd. Sean will live on in me and everyone that knew her. I'm just thankful for all the time that my path in this life was shared with hers. I am honored to have been her friend. The light Sean lit in this world will always burn bright.

Tammy Thompson

March 1, 2013

I met Sean when she was still a teenager. She was a few years younger than me but so much more mature. We were room-mates until she met Todd (the love of her Life)She was so beautiful inside & out. She taught me so much about how to live life- which I will always continue to pass on to others. She would light up every room she entered. She was so Brave. She decided to travel to Europe by herself when she was about 19 & I was so happy she called me to meet her over there after about a month ; We then traveled all over Europe together...so many countries and everywhere we went people loved her. We had so many adventures together. I would probably never even thought of going to Europe if it wasn't for her. She made so many people laugh & smile. She was even a fellow French Horn player but she was talented in so many things. She was an awesome artist & photographer. But most of all she was one of the best friends I ever had ...everyone down here in N.O. is shocked when I let them know what happened to her but then we end up talking for hours about how much we loved her, how much fun we had and how special she was. I loved her & her whole family ; she was like one of my sisters to me. My heart breaks for her family & especially Todd. She will live on in all the people she touched until we meet again. I'm so thankful that I had the honor of being one of the people who shared her path in this life. The light she lit on this earth will never burn out.

TAMMY THOMPSON

March 1, 2013

Tammy Thompson

March 1, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

February 28, 2013

Elaine Cummins

February 26, 2013

Elaine Cummins

February 26, 2013

Elaine Cummins

February 26, 2013

Elaine Cummins

February 26, 2013

Elaine Cummins

February 26, 2013

Elaine Cummins

February 26, 2013

What can I say about Sean? Those big blue eyes, that infectious smile, her ability to make you laugh and forget your troubles....I will truly miss my dear friend that I met 12+ years ago in San Jose when we both coincidentally moved to CA with State Farm. She was my mentor, someone who shared my love of (and sometimes frustration with) stained glass, and most of all my friend. I am so blessed to be able to call her my friend. I just saw her in December, and she was her usual, happy, busy self! I'm glad that I was able to see her then, even if it was only briefly. Much love to Todd, her family, and the rest of her friends. She is missed!

Lori Higgins

February 25, 2013

I met Sean only one time at my brothers birthday party last June. My sister and I (both former State Farm Employees) shared the dinner table with Sean and Todd. There was an instant connection, we both shared the same birthday and breast cancer. It felt like I had known her forever. She got my phone number and email and we were going to meet for lunch when she next came to So Cal on business. Unfortunately that never happened. I know if I lived in NO Cal we would have been friends.I am so sorry for you loss Todd. She was such a vital fun person it was a real shock to hear of her passing.

Mary Allyn Dexter

February 24, 2013

Sean makes it easy to believe that the love we really are never dies. Last time I saw her in her New Orleans home, she was the light of the party, making everyone young and old, feel special.

Ann deLorge

February 24, 2013

When I think of an inspirational person, the one person who will always come to mind will be Sean! God's speed! Thank you for kindness over the years and for reaching out to me when my mom died. It was greatly appreciated.
Deb L

February 23, 2013

Sean and I worked together in Gretna LA when she started her career at State Farm Insurance. She was a warm and kind person and I enjoyed working with her. I was saddened to hear of her passing. My prayers go out to Todd and her family. May she rest in peace knowing how much love and joy she gave to others.

Carmel Johnson Dickerson

February 23, 2013

Sean was one of the lovliest ladies I have ever met. Her smile was one that could brighten anyone's day. She loved life & she & Todd are among my dearest friends. We will miss her. Praying for you, Todd, and the family. God Bless you all.

Ed Morrison

February 22, 2013

Sean, I miss you so, but cherish the times we spent together drinking wine, listening to music and laughing. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven someday to continue the good times.

Stacey Cook

February 22, 2013

Sean was a very special person. Words are inadequate. She called me several times to help me through my cancer diagnosis. She was so supportive and boost my spirits when I needed it most. She could set aside her own worries to help others. That is a wonderful quality. Very altruistic. I will always have very fond memories of Sean.

Louise Manos

February 22, 2013

Words cannot be enough to take the pain and sorrow of a loss. Sean was a bright person, always smiling and very positive, I have enjoyed talking to her about many things especially about making tamales, I thought I knew claims well but she taught me more. She will be missed very much and to the family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you God Bless

Birdie Leigh

February 22, 2013

Sean you will be greatly missed and remembered forever. You were a wonderful friend and peer and your quick mind and wit made every day a joy. Remember laughing until tears rolled down our faces?...I do...always will. We crossed that line from work mates to personal friends. Thank god we did. You made my life better...my daughter and husband adored you...and it will all be less interesting without you. Love you and Todd. Cheers with a nice red wine to you my friend to a live well lived.

Eileen

February 22, 2013

Sean and I worked together for only a few years but she had quite an impact on me. Nothing could keep her bright smile down and I always knew I'd find that when I sought her out. Her quirky stories and efforts to point out irreverent details of life made me laugh and reminded me never to take things too seriously. Sean, keep them laughing in Heaven and thanks for what you gave us down here on Earth.

Ted

February 22, 2013

The sadness I feel over the loss of my beautiful friend is overwhelming at times but I stop and remember her beautiful smile and big blue eyes and all the wonderful memories I have with her. She was so talented and creative and could do anything she set her mind to do. We spent many, many hours buying beads, making jewelry and most of all laughing till our sides hurt. Our secret bead group (Sean, Darcy and I) was no secret at all but we were like teenagers with our bead rings and clubhouse (Sean and Todd's house). My life is richer having known this wonderful person and my thoughts and prayers are with Todd and their families. Sean will be missed by all who knew her.

February 22, 2013

Heavenly Father, give Sean's family the strength and understanding to get through this most difficult time as we know Sean is in your glory and it is those of us left behind that suffer and hurt for her presence. She will surely be missed by all - RIP sweet lady.

Victoria Zamora

February 22, 2013

I worked for Sean in Liability for almost one year. She was very protective of her staff and she stood behind us 100%. I will always remember her warm smile, unlimited acts of kindness and constant concerns about her employees's well being. We loved and adored Sean. I will miss her, but will never forget her because she made a positive impact in my life. God bless you Todd and I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincere Regards,
Vanessa Holmes-Anderson

February 22, 2013

Sean, I am so grateful for the time we had together in our young adult years while you and Todd were living in NOLA. I feel truly blessed. You are a light in many people's lives that will shine with us always.

Jerry Leone

February 21, 2013

Sean was such an inspiration to me. Her kindness, her courage, and her big smile are what I will remember most. She was such a happy person, always positive in her outlook, even when things were hard. She loved music, camping, and reading. Life was a big adventure for her and Todd to experience together! I enjoyed her stories, and talking about books we have read. She was a great friend and mentor. I am a better person for having known her. Todd, you are in my thoughts and prayers, as I know your loss is the greatest of all. May God give you strength.

Monica Gonzalez

February 21, 2013

She always made me feel so good!!! Loved the way I would changed my haristyles and color. A heart of GOLD! You will be missed! My prayers go out to the Family may God give you the strength.

Julie Williams

February 21, 2013

I forgot to sign my message re "gift to the world".

Les

February 21, 2013

Kitty expressed my sentiments exactly; Sean was a gift to the world. She was the most giving,caring person I have ever known, other than her mother. Even on her deathbed all she worried about was how she could help her mother before she died. If there is a heaven, surely one of Gods angels is on the way home.

February 21, 2013

Kitty expressed my sentiments exactly; Sean was a gift to the world.I never knew her to say or do a mean thing. She was so selfless and giving. Even on her death bed, all she was worried about was how she could help her mother before she died. Truly, if there is a heaven, this is one of Gods angels coming home.

Les

February 21, 2013

I loved Sean for always looking me in the eye when we spoke, and for acting as if I actually had something to say. I will miss that sincerity and compassion.

Benner Barclay

February 21, 2013

I remember a time when I was just 13 years old and Sean was only 3 years old at that time, and I just met the girl I new I was going to marry some day, and I did. when we all lived on Royal st. in New Orleans. every time I went to kiss my girl friend Sean would
poke her finger between our lips to prevent us from kissing.
She would do this all the time. It was funny to see her laughing, and having a really good time doing that. There is a 10 year differance between us. I being the oldest of our silblings. Sean always had a positive out look on life, and was a loving, and kind girl. as she grew older, she wanted to hang around with us older siblings, and do the things we did. I cant think of anything sean would do, that would get herself intro trouble. In her older years, she would always ask if she could help us do what ever we where doing at the time.
If I could think of one statment to sum up my sister Sean, It would be, Altruistic, kind, and full of laughter, and smart. OH, I loved her so. She always had a positive attitude, which was very becoming.
I know her husband Todd is going to miss her more than anyone else than I can thing of. I knew that Sean and Todd was a great match for eachother when I first met Todd. I have a great respect
for him, and I am very proud to have Todd as a brother inlaw.
Sean, I will miss you soooo much.
Your brother,
Aaron Ray

Aaron Samuel

February 21, 2013

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Barb Madere

February 21, 2013

Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, you are close to our thought and prayers. Her memory for us was a beautiful woman, friendly, and kind.

Cristi V & Chris Houle

February 20, 2013

My loving sister. You are already greatly missed. Thank you for everything you gave me of yourself. You were the younger sister yet you taught me so much. I love you Sean. I hold you forever in my heart.

Cynthia "Cindy" Samuel

February 20, 2013

Sean was a beautiful, sweet and very funny neighbor and friend. I will remember her for some of the little things, like the incredible Crawfish Monica she made for the Saints game, how she shared her special drawer of toys with my daughters, the silver jewelry she made, and how she loved to mix orange and purple flowers in her front yard. It's strange the little things that you remember and will miss. Most of all, she was a kind, uplifting spirit who was a wonderfully loving wife to Todd. I will miss her, and I hope and pray that Todd and Sean's entire family will find peace.

Mia Pelletier

February 20, 2013

Although you have left us to be with the lord, I know that you are in a better place watching over us and being our guardian angel! My only regret is that I didn't get to spend more time with you. As painful as it is to say goodbye, I know that it is not goodbye forever! You will be in our hearts forever till the day that we are all united together once again in heaven!! We love you Sean , may you rest in peace!

Amber Samuel

February 20, 2013

I met Sean and Todd during a State Farm event at Chinese New Year in San Francisco. In just a few minutes we seemed long-time friends, laughing and enjoying the festivities and the people all around us. Sean later worked with me in Emeryville and was as fine a manager as I have ever known. Most importantly, she was a friend when I needed one most. She was great at keeping in touch, and even as late as this past Christmas, while in the hospital, was asking how I was doing and making me laugh, when it should have been the other way around. As many others have said, I will miss her smile, seen and felt even over the phone.

Chris

February 20, 2013

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. We're just hearing the news here in Bloomington. I worked with Sean in the early days of State Farm Bank. She was very smart, and very supportive. Even these 13 years later, I remember her well. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Karen Przybylski

February 20, 2013

Not having known she was ill, I was shocked to hear of Sean's passing. She was an auto claim rep on the first team I managed, and was a natural with her superb people skills. Her kindness and concern for customers and co-workers alike always shone through her beautiful face. Kindness and sincerity were second nature to her. When I published my first and second books, Sean took the time to not only buy and read them, but post supportive reviews online. Our world is a poorer place without Sean's presence. I will miss her always.

Kathleen Barker

February 20, 2013

I am forever grateful for the way Todd and Sean "adopted" me in New Orleans. She was a special kind of friend who would call me on my nonsense and tell me what I needed to hear with compassion.

Anthony Clark

February 20, 2013

Rest in peace friend. We miss your infectious smile already

Ernest Cook

February 20, 2013

The world has lost a living angel . I am so sad I won't see that smile again . I miss you.


Don , chino ,ca.

Don C

February 19, 2013

My little sister....in heaven with angels that will care and love her as we do here on earth... We have you in our hearts and in our thoughts... You will forever be our angel in heaven... Watching over us and protecting us .
...we love you sean..

Stephen samueL

February 19, 2013

Sean was such a beautiful person inside and out. I am so sad that I will never again be greeted by her sweet and warm smile. I will miss her so much.

Louise Gould

February 19, 2013

Sean, you were a gift to the world, and a wonderful friend. You will stay always in my heart. Kitty

February 19, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Aaron Samuel

February 19, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Cathy Samuel

February 19, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about Sean. I had the pleasure of working with Sean when she was a TM in SIU. I loved working with her as she had the most postive attitude, a great sense of humor, and she got things done. I am very saddend by her passing and will miss her. My prayers are with all of her friends and family.

February 19, 2013

Love you Sean. You will always live in the hearts of the lives you so beautifully touched!

February 19, 2013

Sean is one of the most selfless and friendly people I've ever known. She was acutely interested in your life, genuine in her desire to talk with and learn more about you. She was always supportive and positive, but not in a forced or irritating way. After every interaction with Sean and Todd, I found myself saying "I love hanging out with these people and I want to do it again, soon." I look forward to spending much time with Todd in the future, but I'm heartbroken that it will be without Sean. She is a beautiful person. All of us who knew her are grateful for having done so, and devastated at her passing.

Will Rohrer

February 19, 2013

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