Gretchen M. Gray

GRETCHEN M. GRAY (nee Rodemacher), age 67, died unexpectedly in her home from a sudden cardiac incident on Sunday, November 12, 2006, after a successfully recovering from lung cancer in 1993. She is survived by her two children, Megan E. Gray, an attorney in Washington, D.C., and Daniel N. Gray, an attorney in Houston, and his wife Allison; her two grandsons, Liam Nathan Gray and Quinn Colter Gray; three sisters, Lynn Wurzer and husband Marvin of Houston, Jane Johnson of Chicago, Janis Moore of Beaumont, and their children; her husband of forty-four years, David N. Gray; and brother-in-law, Burton L. Gray of Beaumont and his family. Gretchen was an extraordinary teacher who taught for twenty-six years at Johnston Junior High, Sharpstown and Bellaire High Schools. She received he bachelor's degree from Lamar University and was a Brown Fellowship recipient to St. John's Graduate Institute where she received her Masters in Liberal Arts. After recovering from lung cancer surgery and complications (from which she lost her left lung and ribs), Gretchen returned to Bellaire High School to teach two classes which she felt was a great morale lift to her recovery. Gretchen was very active at her schools with Student Council, National Honor Society and, occasionally, the school newspapers. She experienced much joy in having many former students become life-long friends who visited and called with their life updates. Gretchen was also quite active in her children's activities such as Little League, Girl Scouts, and Softball. She was active in her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, as well as high school baseball for a number of years. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 18, 2006, at Earthman Bellaire Chapel, 6700 Ferris, Bellaire, at the corner of Ferris and Cedar. At Gretchen's request, in lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, friends should eat, drink, and be merry in her memory.