Diane G. (Fernandes) Gray

Diane Grace (Fernandes) Gray died peacefully with her family by her side on April 12, 2024.  Diane was the beloved wife of the late Robert (Pete) Gray. She was born in Boston on December 8, 1942 to the late Albert and Maria (Tordiglione) Fernandes.  Diane grew up in Somerville along side her brother Albert (Butch) and sister Jane (Nicholson). 

Diane leaves behind her daughter Lorraine Gray, son Stephen Gray and his wife Christine. She was also a loving step mom to Robert Gray. 

She was doting Grandma to Lorraine’s son Adam, Stephen and Christine’s children Donovan and Brianna and Robert’s children Danielle, Robert and Ryan.

 In their later years Diane and Pete were avid travelers and would set sail on cruises twice a year that took them all over the world. She would also travel with her girlfriends, heading to the Cape each summer.  She spent many summer vacations on the beach where she would relax and read to her heart’s content.

Diane made friends everywhere she went and was dedicated to keeping those friendships thriving. She was still in touch with friends from her years at Somerville High, participating in reunion luncheons monthly almost until the time of her passing. Working for many years as an Administrative Assistant in the Marketing Department at W.R Grace in Cambridge she continued her friendships with people there even after her retirement. Diane was an active member of the community at Emerald Court in Tewskbury where she lived until moving to assisted living in 2021.  She was involved in the social committee there and enjoyed functions in the community room with other residents.  Diane was a talented quilter and worked on many sewing projects over the years, always giving her beautiful pieces away to those she loved.

By far her greatest joy in life was her family. From swim meets and dance with Lorraine to hockey and baseball games with Stephen she was always the parent who was involved.  In later years she would attend hockey games, dance recitals and school functions for her grandchildren as well.  She had many nieces and nephews that she loved fiercely. She never forgot a birthday or graduation and always made sure to send a gift. In the early 70s she welcomed her new sister-in-law from Japan with open arms and they kept a beautiful relationship until she passed. Diane was known for her incredible cooking and hosting holidays at her home.

She will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.

Funeral Services to be held from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Friday, April 19th, 2024 at 10:30am, Funeral Mass Celebrating Diane to follow at St. William of York Church, 1351 Main St., Tewksbury at 11:30am.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the funeral home on Thursday, April 18th, 2024 from 4 to 8pm.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The American Heart Association, 93 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02481 or online at www.heart.org. 

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