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Tuesday, March 04, 2003 Page: 7A
Jean M. Cray, 87, formerly of Kingston, died Monday at Hospice Community
Care Inpatient Unit at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre.
Born Nov. 8, 1915, in Plymouth, she was a daughter of the late George and
Ana (Nevelus) Milisauskas. She resided at St. Therese Residence, Wilkes-Barre,
for two and a half years following a stroke while on vacation with her family
in Cape May, N.J. Previously, she resided in Larksville; Bridgeport, Conn.;
Kingston; and Wilkes-Barre. Mrs. Cray was a graduate of St. Ann’s Academy,
Wilkes-Barre, and was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Annunciation Church,
Kingston.
In 1987 she retired from her position as office manager and dental
assistant for Dr. William Myers, Kingston, so she could care for her husband,
William G. Cray, until his death in 1988. In May 1988 they celebrated their
50th wedding anniversary surrounded by numerous friends and family.
In 1989 she decided to return to a profession and became the receptionist
at the law office of her son-in-law, attorney Michael D. Bart. She performed
this job as a loving volunteer and remained at this position until the age of
82.
While a resident of St. Therese, she was instrumental in founding a choir
made up of residents, which was led by Father Gerard McGlone, the Chaplain.
The choir had their first performance at the annual Christmas Party in 2002.
She also started an exercise group. Mrs. Cray was a gifted seamstress who
designed and made clothing, doll clothes, draperies and furniture coverings.
As a young girl she sang and performed acrobatic dancing.
Mrs. Cray was a 12-year volunteer for the Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital
Foundation, where her husband was given an additional 14 years of life with
her. For her fund-raising efforts she received numerous awards, including two
jeweled crown pins proclaiming her “Deborah’s Queen,” the “Tree of Life
Award” and a “Diamond Medallion,” Deborah’s highest award.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruth Milisauskas and Mildred
Lucas.
Surviving are her daughter, Georgiana Cray Bart, and son-in-law, attorney
Michael D. Bart, both of Wilkes-Barre; three grandchildren, Jean M. Bart, New
York City; Marjorie A. Bart, Charlottesville, Va.; and Michael D. W. Bart Jr.,
Wilkes-Barre.
She is also survived by her extended family: the residents, nurses, aides,
and staff of St. Therese Residence, all of whom she loved and who loved her
and treated her with dignity and respect.
Jean will be sadly missed by all.
The funeral will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday from the E. Blake Collins
Funeral Home, 159 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with a Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. in
St. Mary’s Annunciation Church, Kingston, with the Rev. Gerard McGlone,
Chaplain of Little Flower Manor and St. Therese Residence, officiating.
Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Pringle.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Therese
Residence, 260 S. Meade St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.