PATRICIA MARIE (NORDQUIST) GRAY
Patricia Marie (Nordquist) Gray passed away on February 16, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family. Patricia was born on May 2, 1925, and grew up in Lake City, South Dakota to Swedish immigrant farmer Axel Nordquist and Elizabeth “Bessie” (Denery) Nordquist, a schoolteacher from Minnesota. Patricia was the third child in a family of six, where Axel and Elizabeth had a flourishing farm and remained there until their passing.
Pat left for California shortly after High School to travel west and start a new chapter in her life. She supported the war effort by working at McDonnel Douglas as a Rosie the Riveter. It was at this time that she met Albert Gray whom she later married after he returned from bravely serving in the Pacific. They eventually moved to Lakewood, CA in the 1950’s where they raised five children.
Years later Albert and Patricia separated, Albert remained involved in his children’s lives and Patricia took on the main role of raising the five children. Pat was very active in the community and specifically St. Pancratius Church in Lakewood where she had many dear close friends.
She loved to square dance, play bingo, volunteered and went on many travels with her Senior’s Group. She was also very involved with her children and grandkids as they grew older up until her passing. She often participated in family trips to the river, beach, mountains, camping and having family barbecues and gettogethers. Mom was always at family events. She was the life of the party and everybody who ever met her thought she was full of beautiful spirit, wonderful, and special. She was loving, independent, sharp witted, unselfish, never complained, Midwest tough, selfless and had a great sense of humor. She remained faithful to her Catholic Faith and attended church regularly into her later years.
Her parents, brothers Jim and John, and sister Agnes preceded her passing.
She also leaves behind her two brothers Paul and Jerry as well as her forever loving five children John, Virginia, Thomas, Colleen, Paul and numerous grandkids and theirs.
She’ll be dearly missed and remembered by those who had the great privilege to know her. She can now rest in eternal peace in heaven with her Savior Jesus Christ.
Patricia will be laid to rest at the family cemetery in Lake City, SD in August of this year. Mass will be held at St Pancratius Church later this month.