Mary Virginia Gray

Mary Virginia Gray March 19, 1955 - March 2, 2024 On Saturday, March 2, Mary Virginia Gray, a devoted daughter, cherished sister, favorite aunt, beloved cousin and steadfast friend passed into eternal life. Mary was known and loved for her gentle spirit, kindness, and sheer joy of living. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Edward and Mary Gray, Mary graduated from McAuley High School (Toledo) where she was named "McAuleyan of the Year" and served as senior class president. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N.) from Saint Mary's College in 1977. Her remarkable empathy was a hallmark of her nursing career. She also earned an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1982 and later worked in hospital administration where she championed equitable benefits for all. Additionally, Mary earned a M.A. in Technical Writing and Publications from Bowling Green State University and a professional certificate in hospital benefits from the Philadelphia Institute. She brought integrity and friendliness to all her careers, including her avocation as a docent at the Toledo Museum of Art which combined her love of research, teaching, and meeting new people. Of all her titles, being Aunt Mary to her sixteen nieces and nephews was her greatest source of pride and joy. For them, Mary was a confidant, friend, counselor, unwavering supporter, gifted listener, and instigator of mischief. Mary was the mastermind of favorite games like midnight snacks, Japanese tea parties, fox hunts, the wedding club, surgical scrub-ins, psychologist's office, the bear choir, and numerous others. Mary was an individual with many and varied interests. She was an avid tennis player, life-long science fiction enthusiast, curious traveler, and accomplished puzzler. She will be remembered for her practical and insightful gifts. An adventurous cook, Mary orchestrated countless dinners for family and friends and hosted overnights for a revolving and constant stream of guests. Mary was always gracious and welcoming. Spending time with family was her greatest pleasure. Mary is survived by her mother also Mary Virginia Gray of Maumee, brothers Edward Gray (Jane), Rev. James Gray, Steven Gray (Nancy Grant), sisters Tish Gray Varraveto (Dominic), Jean Gray Napoli (Chaz), Margaret Gray (Danny Spina) and Kate Gray Barrera (Patricio), adored nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Gray (Rob Shellito), Reilly Gray, Hannah Gray, Caroline Gray, Patricia Varraveto, Katherine Varraveto, Ginny Varraveto (Jon Thormann), Michael Varraveto (Colleen Thibeault), Ellen Napoli, Abby Napoli, Jack Napoli, Bridget Napoli, Jimmy Napoli, Frances Barrera, Margot Barrera, and Audrey Barrera, grandnephew and grandniece: Hunter and Hailey Shellito. Mary is preceded in death by her father Edward W. Gray and infant sister Mary Immaculate Gray. A special person and a "beacon of light" for the way she lived a faith-filled life, Mary, a devout Catholic, was a founding member and active parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Toledo. She loved her parish and the people in it. Honor Mary by showing kindness to others. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 10 from 12 - 6 pm at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43614, where a Rosary Service will take place at 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 11 at St. Joan of Arc Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH 43614, at 11:00 am, where the family will begin greeting guests at 10:00 am. Interment will be private. Memorial donations can be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Please view Mary's video tribute and sign the online guest registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com