Senga McGregor GRAY (nee Hall)
June 6, 1939 – April 30, 2020
Senga took her last breath on Thursday April 30
th
, 2020, with her daughter Fiona by her side, in Leaside, ON. Senga was born on June 6, 1939, in Ayr, Scotland. Senga was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer on Thanksgiving 2018 and courageously fought through multiple surgeries and treatments. She was fortunate to spend her last few months with her family close by, and with a family trip to Florida in March. Our hope is that she’s now resting with her husband, our dad, Barrie Gray who died in July 1999. Senga was a loving wife, mother, gran, companion and a true friend to many. She will be forever missed by her son Nigel, daughter Fiona, (Brandon) and grandchildren Ashley (14) and Myles (7), her partner, Michael Greenwood and her former daughter-in-law Chantal. Senga is survived by her sister Avril Maginness in New Zealand and predeceased by her brother Sandy (Alexander) Hall, Scotland.
After Senga arrived in Canada, she met Barrie, who had come from England. When he proposed she took 3 weeks to give him an answer! They married on April 25, 1964 and bought their house in Don Mills. The family enjoyed sailing at ABYC in Toronto on various sailboats they had over the years. She enjoyed watching Barrie, Nigel & Fiona sail with the Mirror Dinghy Group which lead them to camping across Ontario and spending three weeks every summer at Killbear Provincial Park. Senga and Barrie were actively involved in many aspects of Glenview Presbyterian Church, from teaching in the Sunday school, to the Couples Club and ultimately as Elders. Senga spent many days baking and making scotch eggs and other refreshments for Glenview with the many good friends she made there.
Senga was an avid supporter of her children, Nigel and Fiona in their triathlon and coaching careers, and with Nigel’s business NRGPT. She would happily join them on their various European trips and Florida training camps or follow them around the world to watch their many races. She traveled to Italy, France, England, Spain, Brazil, Lanzarote, Hawaii, Florida, Lake Placid, BC and Quebec to support them. At the 2006 Ironman World Championships race in Hawaii, Senga met Mike and so began a 14-year companionship which included spending time in Florida and Maine where Mike lives, and lots of travel. Senga was also very involved in her granddaughter Ashley’s and grandson Myles’s activities, which included many soccer games, track, karate, and school events. She enjoyed watching them grow and being involved in their lives.
Senga will be dearly missed at family gatherings for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving shared with our dear family friends, the Harpurs – not to mention her weekly coffee and dinner get-togethers with her many close friends.
Senga was involved with the Don Mills community where she lived for 54 years. She was a talented bridge player participating in many local bridge clubs in the Don Mills area and in Fort Lauderdale over the years. Scottish Country dancing was another passion of hers. She danced with a Toronto group, and in Edwards Gardens park each June on Tuesday nights as well as with a fabulous group in Fort Lauderdale.
Most of Senga’s working years were at Bell Canada or ‘maBell’ as it was known to Senga and her co-workers, where she was a service rep. Although, she seemed to have a ‘love-hate’ relationship with maBell, many of the connections she made with her co-workers became life-long friendships.
Senga did not let her battle with cancer slow her down. Her resilience kept her active and she continued to walk with friends, as much as she could, counting her steps on her iPhone, aiming for 1-3km per day.
Her dedication to her family and friends knew no bounds. Senga was a kind, caring and thoughtful person who touched many lives over her 81 years. Mum, we love you and we miss you. You will forever be in our thoughts and hearts. ?
The family wishes to express their appreciation for the kindness and compassionate care the nurses and doctors gave Senga from the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (through Mount Sinai Hospital).
Please consider a donation in Senga’s memory to Ovarian Cancer Canada or the Temmy Latner Centre
.
https://ovariancanada.org/Get-Involved/Donate/In-Memoriam-In-Honour
http://www.tlcpc.org/temmy-latner/donors
The family will host a funeral service in the Fall when socially acceptable at Glenview Presbyterian Church in Toronto. Condolences and sharing of memories can be sent to
rememberingsenga@gmail.com
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