Audrey Elizabeth Gray

Audrey Elizabeth Gray passed away at age 84 on Aug. 14, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Audrey tirelessly served her community in many meaningful and lasting ways, including spending over 20 years working in numerous roles at the Assistance League of Albuquerque.

Born in Puerto Rico in 1940, Audrey lived in the Caribbean, Panama, New Mexico, and finally Arizona, where she worked in banking for 42 years for Valley National Bank and Bank One. Hundreds of customers remained loyal to her over the decades and considered Audrey their favorite banker. So much so that it was not unusual to find regulars waiting for her window to be free so she could help them with their banking needs. And, of course, spend a minute or two catching up.

This important service was always delivered with a smile and congenial conversation, and years after retirement Audrey remembered detailed stories about her treasured customers and their families.

During her years in Scottsdale, Audrey lived with and cared for her mother Ana. Both ladies were known for excelling at Canasta and other card games, their sociable neighborhood get-togethers, and the lovely yard they tended to, which included an ornate bird bath, a gorgeous orange tree, and a hibiscus that always seemed to be in bloom, whatever the season.

After a move to Albuquerque to be near her brother Charlie and his wife Kathleen, Audrey joined the Assistance League in 2004. Filling the role of Patrol Chair for the Buddy Bear program for a half decade, Audrey helped the children of the region find solace in a sweet stuffed toy during a difficult time, while also assisting many local first responders as they learned about Buddy Bears and how the campaign supported the community.

Assistance League thrift store shoppers could also count on finding Audrey in her blue apron behind the counter each Saturday for many years. She always had a kind word for everyone, and she would often find something of note about a purchase, which had a way of spurring a colorful conversation.

This ability to connect with people and serve the community was lauded in 2024, when the Assistance League presented Audrey the coveted Ada Edwards Laughlin Award, an accolade bestowed upon "an active, selfless, loyal member of the Assistance League" who has served the organization "for a significant number of years."

Her dedication to the organization also extended to countless hours spent speaking to members on the telephone and working on projects at home.

Helping to schedule volunteers was something Audrey also enjoyed during her time as Reception Desk Chair; the Assistance League also relied on her talents for organizing thousands of greeting cards for sale at the thrift store, a huge calling she could do from her living room.

Creating fun greeting cards was something Audrey loved doing for those she held dear, and she was known for making charming cards on her home computer for friends, neighbors, and family. She adored the holidays, all of the holidays, and those close to her would look forward to a personalized "hello" or note in the mail, even for the calendar's quirkier occasions.

Audrey remembered everyone's birthday and milestones. She always made an effort to regularly follow up with friends, recalling small details about their lives and showing people that she kept them in her thoughts.

Dogs also held a special place in Audrey's heart, from her childhood pooch Pinky to later pups Mimi, Daisy, Elli Maud, and Bettie, the cute and cuddly girl at her side in recent years. Audrey often spoke of the horse she rode as a teenager, a pretty Pinto named Amigo. With a love of the Old West, Gene Autry, classic "Bonanza" episodes, and the open desert, she was always a cowgirl at heart.

Family members warmly recall her newsy goodnight emails, her fondness of singing and telling stories, and the many photos she loved to take of family meals and gatherings. Audrey is survived by her nephew Michael Gray and his wife Maura, nephew Paul Gray and his wife Stephanie, and niece Alysia Painter and her husband Christopher, as well as many great-nephews and nieces, and five great-great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father Charles, her mother Ana, her brother Charlie, and his wife Kathleen.

Audrey's family will hold a private memorial at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Assistance League of Albuquerque.