Jean Aline Gray Nee Clark November 22, 1927 - October 1, 2015

Jean Aline Gray November 22, 1927 – October 1, 2015

The family of Jean Aline Gray (Clark) is saddened to share the news of her passing on October 1, 2015 in Kemptville, Ontario.

Born in Montreal and raised in Mountain, Ontario, Jean was the daughter of Harold and Elsie Clark, sister of John, Margaret (Blaine) and Ann (Watson), mother of Nancy, Joan (Bulmer) and Ted, and grandmother of Laura, Alison, Luke and Chandra.

Jean often shared memories of her family – her life growing up on the family farm, visiting relatives in Montreal and summer vacations with aunts and uncles in Quebec at the tranquil Lac Quenouille and Métis Beach.

At 16 Jean left the family farm and moved to a convent in Montreal, her mother’s home town, to learn French for one year. At 17 she entered McGill University that, at the time, teamed with returning WWII service men. The classes were big and intimidating, but this did not stop the young farm girl from finishing at the top of her math and science classes. Many of the friendships Jean established at university lasted the rest of her life.

After graduating with a BSc from MacDonald College, Jean obtained an MSc in Biochemistry from Queen’s University. She entered the workforce as a scientist with the federal government in Ottawa, followed by five years in the nutrition department at Guelph University.

Over the next twenty years, Jean raised her family and enjoyed working in the chemistry department of Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B. Ever curious, Jean decided to change careers in her fifties and took computer science courses at Carleton University, becoming a programmer at AEA Electronics in the ’80s.

Able to turn her hand to many different things, Jean played the piano, sewed, knitted, painted, cross country skied, loved hiking and was an avid gardener. She enjoyed competitive bridge with friends and volunteered with Meals On Wheels in Kemptville.

Jean lived the majority of her life close to where she was born. This area and its people greatly influenced her life. Jean was immeasurably devoted to her family and community. We are fortunate to have been loved, taught and guided by her.