Jane Gray

Jane Gray, age 90, of Oak Park (and formerly Ingleside) IL, passed away on January 13, 2024. She was born (Vincenza Abbate) on September 2, 1933, in Santa Ninfa, Sicily, Italy. She came to America/Chicago with her family in 1947. Jane became an American citizen, worked at Zenith Corporation and then Bell & Howell where she met the love of her life, Donald. They married in 1964, and in 1966 adopted their son Robert, followed by the adoption of Mary Lisa in 1967. They built a home on Fox Lake where they lived for over 50 years. Many family and friends enjoyed spending time fishing, boating, water skiing and partaking in homemade pasta and meatballs at the Gray's home. Following Don's retirement from Bell & Howell, Jane and Don built and ran Popeyes Dairy Dream in Fox Lake for over 20 years. Jane's contagious personality and genuine warmth made everyone feel welcome. A familiar scene at the beginning of each season was boating customers running over to get a hug from Jane. The true highlight of Jane's life was becoming a grandma (Nana). Oh, how she lit up when the kids would come for a visit or better yet, stay for a few days. Friends were always welcome too. Nana travelled often to be at everything: school events, sporting events, concerts, graduations. She was always present with enough love for all. In 2014 Jane and Don moved to Brookdale Oak Park to make their lives a bit easier and be close to family. Jane once again built a lovely community of friends between the residents and staff. Everybody loved Jane. Since Don's passing in 2016, Jane took time to read, pray, see family, cheer on the Cubs and watch Jeopardy. Jane had a deep, unconditional faith that she leaned on until her death. She often would say during difficult times, "Don't worry, God is going to help us." We will continue to feel her presence in our lives through our cherished memories.

Jane is survived by her loving son, Robert (Jeni) Gray, and her devoted daughter, Mary Lisa (Walter) Wahlfeldt and her younger sister, Josephine Holmgren. She was a cherished grandmother to Colton, Parker, Auston, Jane, CC, and Landon.

Jane was preceded in death by her mother, Mary (Ridulfo) Abbate, her father, Gaspare Abbate, her husband, Donald F. Gray, her brothers, Giulio and Frank Abbate, and her sister, Mary Ann Naguy.

A visitation and Mass are scheduled for February 3rd at St. Giles Catholic Church in Oak Park. Visitation is from 9am - 10am with a Funeral Mass scheduled at 10am.

In remembrance of Jane Gray, memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org