Anne Gray, 72, of The Villages, FL, passed away Friday, May 26, 2017, from the side effects of the radiation treatment she received 10 years ago for lung cancer. Anne was treated successfully at Moffitt Cancer Center and had been cancer free for 10 years.
She was a strong woman who beat the odds. Anne and her husband Roger Kass were married in British Columbia, Canada and were together for almost 45 years. The last 10 years were an added blessing from God. They both enjoyed the wonderful bonus years to the fullest – traveling, cruising, enjoying life and working part-time for the Properties of The Villages as Lobby Hosts. She was Roger’s partner, companion, friend and rock. She was a friend and inspiration to her many friends, colleagues and neighbors; their condolences, expressions of loss and support are appreciated.
Anne was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada by her mother Ruth Gray, however she was very proud of her American citizenship. She attended Carlton University and received a degree in Education. After working briefly as a High School teacher in rural Ontario, she attended the University of British Columbia where she received a degree in Library Science. She worked as a librarian for the University of Calgary, the National Library of Canada and the British Columbia Teacher’s Federation.
Anne and her husband were fortunate to have lived and traveled throughout the world. They moved to The Villages from Atlanta, GA but they have lived in The Villages longer than anywhere else in their adult lives. Anne and Roger were active in the VHA, politics and instrumental in the founding of their Neighborhood Social Club. Anne was a founding member of the neighborhood ladies club called, “The Honey Buns”.
She is survived by her husband and a niece and nephew, Yvonne and David Kass as well as cousins Carol Safier and her sons, Robert and Billy.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 N US Hwy. 27/441, Lady Lake, FL 32159.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made in Anne Gray’s name to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation for the funding of Lung Cancer Research. Donations can be made by mailing a check to 12092 Magnolia Drive, MBC-FOUND, Tampa, FL 33612, or by calling 1-800-456-3434 ext. 1403 or online at www.moffitt.org/giving. Please make a note that the donation is in memory of Anne Gray.