Patricia Gray

GRAY, Patricia D. "Trish," went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ, after

a long and trying illness with chronic obstruc-tive pulmonary disease December 21, 2010. Born in Maryland, she came with her husband and son to Tampa in 1960. She attended Strayers Secretarial School, Washington, D.C., and the University of Tampa, and studied ballroom dancing under the national dance director of Fred Astaire Dance Studios. After a career in ballroom dancing as Southeastern Dance Director for the chain, she returned to a secretarial career for two presidents of Jim Walter Corporation/ Walter Industries from 1964 to 1996. Having retired in 1996 after losing her dear husband, Marc, she worked at home as an assistant to several past employers and clients. Trish was once a teacher for microwave cooking for Sears, and became very active in local community and semi-professional theater as an actress, manager and producer. She also wrote, directed and choreographed full musical reviews and comedic theatre for local groups, as well as choreographing for Tampa Community Theatre and USF Theatre. Her greatest love and hobby was family genealogy, reaching back into ancient times of England and Ireland. She was a proud member of Clan Dunbar and a life member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Executive Women International. Survivors include her loving companion of 12 years, Richard Spiess, and his family, Kelli, David, Jordan, Dylan and Ciara; her son, Michael C. Plocki and wife, Cathryn; grandsons, Max Michael, Marco and Zach, all of Orlando; three step-children, Marcus L. Gray Jr., Deanna Hughes and April Hufstetler; five stepgrand-children; two step great-grandchildren, all of Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Jen Dunbar of Oregon and Betty Dunbar of Virginia; along with several nieces and nephews. A visitation will take place 3-5 p.m. January 15, 2010, at Marsicano-B.Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, with service to follow. Remembrances may be made to Executive Women International Tampa Bay Chapter Scholarship Program or the American Lung Association. Visit www.marsicanofh.com to leave your condolences. Marsicano-B.Marion Reed-

Stowers Funeral Home