IN MEMORIAM: Mary Louise Gray, 88;

Worked In Hospitals Across CNY Region

COOPERSTOWN – Mary Louise Gray, 88, of Cooperstown, who worked in hospitals across the region before returning home to tend to her mother, passed away Saturday evening, Dec. 9, 2017, at her home on Walnut Street with her sister Connie and nephew Brent at her side.

She was born Jan. 13, 1929, at Bassett Hospital and graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1948. She was first employed as a part-time telephone operator at Bassett, where she also made formulas for the maternity and pediatric wards and the central supply department.

In 1957, Mary joined Herkimer Memorial Hospital, where she was responsible for setting up central supply, inventory, ordering supplies, making surgical packs, and supervising staff personnel. In November 1984, Mary left Herkimer for Fox Hospital in Oneonta, but after six months she took time off to care for her mother, Kathryn.

A determined individual, Mary took it upon herself to apply her education and experience in a new field and enrolled at Herkimer County Community College, where she eventually received a teachers’ aide certificate.

For many years she was a faithful and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown. She will be especially remembered for helping out with almost every rummage sale at the church.

In her leisure, Mary always enjoyed shopping trips to New York City, especially at Christmas time.  On one of these trips, she and her nephew Brent decided to go to the top of the Empire State Building, and at the age of 83 Mary got off the elevator and climbed the stairs for the final 12 floors.  She also enjoyed horse racing and made several trips each summer to the Saratoga Race Course.

In addition to her sister Constance (“Connie”) Gray and her son Brent, of Cooperstown, Mary is survived by one aunt, Dorine Gray, and four cousins, Stephen, Michael and Jim Gray and David Austin.

She was predeceased by her mother, Kathryn Masten, who died Sept. 13, 1996.

Abiding by Mary’s requests, there will be no services.

She will be laid to rest in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.