Obituary for Justine "Jeannette" Gray
Justine "Jeannette" Gray, 92 of Coventry passed away on Saturday June 5, 2021 surrounded by family. Jeannette was born on March 24, 1929 in Aulus les Bains, France. She was the daughter of the late Gabriel Souquet and Jeannie Catherine Andreu. She is survived by her brother, Vincent and was predeceased by her sister, Marie and brothers Francois and Pierre.
Jeannette moved to New York City from France at age 18. She spent several years in the City and then moved to Stamford, CT. It was there that she met the love of her life, David Gray. They were married in 1959 and moved to Coventry, CT. In Coventry they built their beloved home and raised three loving sons.
Jeannette had many talents and passions and these included gardening and cooking gourmet meals. She spent many hours planting and tending her vegetable gardens and beautifying the local landscape by planting flowers around town. Jeannette enjoyed preparing fantastic meals for family and friends and frequently entertained happy guests at their Coventry home. She also had a talent for crafting ceramic pottery with a focus on either a whimsical or traditional painted theme. Jeanette also loved to be a substitute mother for her sons’ many visiting friends, some staying for weeks, and serving as a sponsor mother for Coast Guard Academy cadets.
Jeannette had a special relationship with her cousins, Justine Lucenti-Souquet and husband Vito and Simone Sanchez-Souquet and husband Johnny. They enjoyed getting together and speaking French with each other as they laughed and caught up. Gatherings with David’s and Jeanette’s siblings and their families were always times of great food and fun, thanks often to her efforts. Her greatest joy in her later years were her grandchildren; Skyler, Sumner, Star, Georgia and Caroline and honorary granddaughter Kara. She truly enjoyed spending time with them and watching them grow.
Jeannette had many friends with whom she loved to gather and watch UCONN Womens basketball games, vacations to Cape Cod or the Outer Banks or a birthday party or backyard barbecue. She was a very social person and had many special friends and treasured the time spent with them.
Along with her beloved husband, Jeannette is survived by three sons and their wives, Scott and Deborah of Wisconsin, Brian and Eileen of Ellington and Marc and Therese of California.
Jeannette and her family would like to thank those who recently provided care and comfort in her home. Most importantly, we would like to thank those who brought enrichment to Jeanette throughout her life and were enriched by knowing her.
Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Tpke. (Rte. 44) Coventry, CT. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
Jeannette moved to New York City from France at age 18. She spent several years in the City and then moved to Stamford, CT. It was there that she met the love of her life, David Gray. They were married in 1959 and moved to Coventry, CT. In Coventry they built their beloved home and raised three loving sons.
Jeannette had many talents and passions and these included gardening and cooking gourmet meals. She spent many hours planting and tending her vegetable gardens and beautifying the local landscape by planting flowers around town. Jeannette enjoyed preparing fantastic meals for family and friends and frequently entertained happy guests at their Coventry home. She also had a talent for crafting ceramic pottery with a focus on either a whimsical or traditional painted theme. Jeanette also loved to be a substitute mother for her sons’ many visiting friends, some staying for weeks, and serving as a sponsor mother for Coast Guard Academy cadets.
Jeannette had a special relationship with her cousins, Justine Lucenti-Souquet and husband Vito and Simone Sanchez-Souquet and husband Johnny. They enjoyed getting together and speaking French with each other as they laughed and caught up. Gatherings with David’s and Jeanette’s siblings and their families were always times of great food and fun, thanks often to her efforts. Her greatest joy in her later years were her grandchildren; Skyler, Sumner, Star, Georgia and Caroline and honorary granddaughter Kara. She truly enjoyed spending time with them and watching them grow.
Jeannette had many friends with whom she loved to gather and watch UCONN Womens basketball games, vacations to Cape Cod or the Outer Banks or a birthday party or backyard barbecue. She was a very social person and had many special friends and treasured the time spent with them.
Along with her beloved husband, Jeannette is survived by three sons and their wives, Scott and Deborah of Wisconsin, Brian and Eileen of Ellington and Marc and Therese of California.
Jeannette and her family would like to thank those who recently provided care and comfort in her home. Most importantly, we would like to thank those who brought enrichment to Jeanette throughout her life and were enriched by knowing her.
Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Tpke. (Rte. 44) Coventry, CT. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com