Pauline Nelson Gray’s kitchen on earth is closed. After nearly 89 years, many of them spent doling out love and support with sticky buns, Paula went to heaven on Sunday, October 11, surrounded by her family and friends.
Paula was born to Norwegian and German immigrants, Alfred and Frieda Nelson, in Eagle Bay in the Adirondack Mountains on December 8, 1926.
Paula attended Hartwick College through the Nurse Cadet Corps, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 1948, followed by post-graduate work at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
On October 14, 1950, Paula married Charles Gray and opened their home on West Hill Road in Deansboro.
Paula dedicated herself to her family, friends and the students of Waterville Central High School where she worked for 30 years as the school nurse.
She loved all students and couldn’t wait to get to school every day to tend to injuries, counsel teens, and feed everybody—students, teachers, administrators—warm chocolate chip cookies and her sticky buns.
Her granddaughter spoke the truth when she said, “Grandma was old, but she always knew what teens needed.”
Paula was well known for her kindness and service to her community.
For many years, she spent summers as a floor nurse at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, NY where she loved working with patients and providing hands-on, old-school nursing. Paula was a long-time volunteer at the Harding Nursing Home and in 2015 was recognized for the compassionate care and love—and sticky buns—that she provided to the residents.
Paula was always busy. She loved to knit and was a member of the Holy Knitters: making mittens and shawls for those in need. Paula hosted Traveler’s Club in her home, meetings that always included a meal with dessert.
Paula was an Elder at Three Steeples Church. In 1991, she received the Roses for the Living Award from the Waterville Rotary Club. In 1996, Paula was recognized for her service by the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY.
Paula was proud of her Norwegian and German heritage and made many trips to Europe with her children and grandchildren.
In 2013, she traveled to Norway to visit her father’s birthplace and home where she met many Norwegian cousins.
Paula returned to Waterville having become a special grandmother to her Norwegian family.
Paula was predeceased by her loving husband Charles P. Gray. She is survived by her children: Chuck Gray and wife Sue McCluskey of Arlington, VA; Karen Gray Streat and her husband Wayne of Baltimore, MD; Anne Gray and husband Steven White of NYC; Phyllis Gray and husband Bob Bickel of Baltimore, MD; and Bob Gray and wife Maureen of Deansboro, NY; and her loving grandchildren: Charles Gray, Johanna Gray, and her husband Dave Muraskin; William Pigott, his wife Rachel, and Christopher Pigott; Lydia, Nicholas, and Natalie White; Andy Bickel, his wife Carrie, Philip Bickel, and Mark Bickel; and Hannah, Jane, and Nora Gray.
She has two great-grandsons: Maxwell and Cooper Pigott.
Paula is also survived by her brother Stuart Nelson and his wife MaryAnn; sister Betty Spencer and husband Ray; sister Ruth Brussel and husband Al; and her sister-in-law Elaine Johnsen.
She was predeceased by her twin sister Mary Alfreda. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Bob Delorme, the staff from Hospice & Palliative Care, her special neighbors at Terry Meadows, and the Plourde Family.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Three Steeples United Church in Paris, NY. A memorial celebration of Paula’s life will take place on Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m. at Celebrations on Tower in Waterville, NY. All are welcome to attend a reception at the venue immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations in Paula’s memory to Three Steeples United Church, Paris, New York or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., New Hartford, New York.
