Remembering Sr. Ann Gray, DW, 7/25/1935 - 7/28/2025

Sr. Ann Elizabeth Gray, 90, known in religious life as Sr. Ann Catherine of Our Lady, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson, NY. Sister was born on July 25, 1935, in New York, NY, to Philip and Kate (Keane) Gray. Sr. Ann was an only child whose life became closely connected to the lives of the Fergus Family. She devoted her life to education and advocated for justice in every form as a Daughter of Wisdom, entering religious life on July 31, 1953. She made her first profession on February 2, 1955, and her final vows on August 2, 1960. Sister celebrated her 70th Jubilee on February 2, 2025.

Sr. Ann received her foundational education at Saint Margaret School in Middle Village, Queens, NY, and Our Lady of Wisdom Academy in Ozone Park, NY, before continuing her studies at St. John's University, where she majored in Secondary Education English and obtained certifications in English and French. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Laval University in Quebec, where she earned a Master's degree in French Language/French Literature, to Hunter College in New York, where she earned a Master's in Theater Arts, and to St. John's University, NY, where she earned a Ph.D. in American Literature.

Her teaching career began in 1955 at Ecole Gedeon Ouimet in Montreal where she taught English to French Canadian students in grades 6-11. Having returned to the United States in 1959, Sr. Ann spent 3 years on the faculty of Our Lady of Wisdom Academy, Ozone Park, NY teaching both English and French.  From 1962 – 1976 Sr. Ann was Chair of the Foreign Language Department at Christ the King High School, Middle Village, NY where she produced and directed several student theater productions. Then after 2 years as Chair of the English Department at Bishop Ford Regional High School, Brookly, NY, Sr. Ann served on the faculty of St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, NY during which time she directed the Alvernian Drama Society. Sister worked as a doctoral student at St. John's University in Jamaica from 1988 to 1992 and was an Adjunct English Professor at the University from 1992-2002.

Sr. Ann played an essential role in her community. She chaired the Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee for the US Delegation and championed the Laudato Si movement. She brought to light and promoted the practice of a range of justice issues supporting sustainable environmental practices and participated in the Town's Keep Islip Clean program.

She held membership in various organizations, including the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the Modern Language Association, the Conference on Christianity in Literature and the Elizabeth Bishop Society. She served on the boards of St. Mary Gate of Heaven School, Christ the King Regional High School, the Member Board of Catholic Health , and the St. Charles Hospital Foundation Board.

Her dedication to education and leadership earned her numerous awards and recognitions over her distinguished career. She received the NCEA (National Catholic Educational Association) grant award for a summer of study in language from Fairfield University in Connecticut. She was awarded on the 800th anniversary of St. Francis for her excellence in Theater Arts at St. Francis Prep. She was recognized for her service on Christ the King High School's board and was a recipient of the Doctoral Teaching Fellowship at St. John's University. Most recently, she was named volunteer of the month by the Long Island Immigration Clinic in Brentwood, NY.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sr. Ann was deeply involved in theological and educational development. Sister served as the Provincial of the US Province of the Daughters of Wisdom for two terms from 2006 to 2014. She shared her organizational talents with the international body, preparing processes for the 2006 Daughters of Wisdom Chapter Gathering in Rome and developing liturgy and celebrations for the 300th anniversary of the Congregation's founding.

Sr. Ann had a zest for life that extended beyond her professional endeavors. Her passions for language, literature, and the arts enriched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and strangers. She contributed reflections for the Daughters of Wisdom's "Fire In Our Hearts" ministry and was a coordinator and speaker for the Wisdom Conversations ministry. Sister participated in grassroots movements, was active in various volunteer roles, and served as a translator and note-taker for the Long Island Immigration Clinic, Brentwood, NY. Additionally, Sister was a great letter writer but also advocated for rights in action by participating in awareness rallies and often visiting the local congressman's office to advocate for the rights of all people, most especially the poor, immigrants, women, children, and people with disabilities. Sister was a justice warrior.

Sr. Ann leaves behind a legacy of compassion, knowledge, and faith that inspired many. She will be fondly remembered by her community, colleagues, students, and all whose lives she touched. Her contributions to education and service will resonate for generations to come.