Maria Antonietta (Scaravelli) Gray

Gray (Scaravelli), Maria Antonietta The family of Maria is sad to announce the passing of an amazing mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother (Nan), aunt, sister, daughter and friend. Maria passed away peacefully on May 3, 2024, at the young age of 96. Mom was born on June 11, 1927, in Montreal to Maria (Fiorito) and Marcello Scaravelli and moved to Halifax at a very young age growing up on Brunswick Street in a working-class household. Her formative years saw her growing up during the depression, which instilled upon her the true value of hard work and the importance of not wasting money. Like many growing up during those tough times, the saying was if you did not have the money to pay for something then you shouldn’t get it. She would tell the story of putting a dress on layaway for months at the five and dime, having only 10 cents a week to put towards it. This value of hard work and hard-earned money followed her throughout her lifetime. Even after marriage, having children and owning a successful business with dad, she still maintained a modest and quiet lifestyle. Being 96 years old, Maria had seen so many changes with her often recounting times spent around the radio as a young girl, or the first TV set they had. But it was her recollections, experiences and stories of her life in Halifax that were always a treat to listen to. When driving with her around the city she would point out where streets and buildings once were and where events occurred such as the VE Day Riots she experienced after the war was won. She just loved it when people visited the city for the first time, and she was able to show them around. She was a great tour guide. Another favourite memory for Mom was Club 83 on Hollis Street which was a club for teens and young adults to gather to dance and socialize on the weekends. It was here that Mom met her beloved future husband Don. Mom and Dad were married Oct. 10, 1954, and for nearly 50 years had an amazing and loving life together, raising three Children. Mom loved to travel, She and Dad had the good fortune to be able to travel to many places, from Australia to Alaska, but it was the family summer trip with trailer to Brandy Pond Campground in Maine which was the highlight of their adventures. For many summers, Mom and Dad loaded up the station wagon, hooked up the trailer and the family adventure began. Too many stories and so many fond memories to mention, and many lifelong friendships made. Even after the trailer was sold, the kids were on their own, and Dad had passed, Mom continued to travel to Maine staying with friends she had made over the years. We figure over 40 plus years in total. Mom’s brown suitcase was never far from reach, half packed and ready to go. Regardless of whether it was for an overseas adventure or a weekend away, she was ready. The family cottage at Queensland Beach was special to Mom, particularly for the friends made, and the parties attended. The Queensland Open ladies party and “The Marias” party (there had to be a dozen Marias) were highlights where Mom (disco Nan as referred to by Sara and Justin) would love to dance and stay up later than her sons. Maria was a lady of strong faith and the connection with the St. Agnes Parish community was a very important part of her life. You could pretty much be assured she would be in her regular seat at the 4:00 PM Saturday mass. We would like to thank the St. Agnes Church community for all the prayers, love and support shown to Maria over the years. Thank you to our relatives, and to her “Joseph St. family” who provided her unparalleled friendship, love and support which allowed her to remain in her house until her passing. The visits, calls, treats and checking in on her were looked forward to by Mom every day. Words cannot express our appreciation and gratitude. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The most important thing in Mom’s life was family and friends, and she was especially blessed to have had her parents, siblings, children and grandchildren and relatives all living close to her. She was blessed to have had her parents and sister Philla live next door for many years and be able to spend so much time with each other. Mom looked forward to and enjoyed immensely the family gatherings for birthday parties, holidays (especially Christmas) and special events. She enjoyed the big dinners for holidays, and there were always sweets to be had. Maria was predeceased by her parents Maria and Marcello Scaravelli, husband Donald (Don) Gray, sisters Tresta (Tina) Ripley and Filomena (Philla) Scaravelli, brother Lorenzo (Lawrence) Scaravelli. Surviving are her loving children; Donna (Kathy), “The middle child” Brian (Heidi), Paul (Sonja), grandchildren; Sara (Videl), Justin and great grandchildren Noah & Maleah along with many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will take place this Friday May 31, 2024, 12:10 pm at St. Agnes Church, Mumford Rd. Halifax. A reception will follow in the Church Hall with refreshments and music to celebrate a wonderful life. Streaming of service can be found on You Tube – Search for Good Shepherd Parish (Halifax), look for icon with a blue cross and shepherds’ hook/staff – Click. In Lieu of Flowers Donations can be made to any charity of your choice.

Maria Antonietta (Scaravelli) Gray

June 11, 1927 - May 3, 2024