Netha A. Gray

"Palmer - Netha A. (Bowen) Gray, 84, of Palmer, passed away peacefully at Care One at Redstone in East Longmeadow on December 28, 2016. Her husband, Robert C. Gray, passed away in 2008. She was born in Readsboro, VT, daughter of the late Alfred and Pearl (Pratt) Bowen and lived in Palmer for 20 years. Netha was an account manager at the former Gene Mota Chevrolet in Palmer. She earned the distinction and was extremely proud of being the first female automotive business manager in the Northeast, and the first female papergirl in Springfield. She was hardworking and took great pride in her work as bookkeeper. Netha truly loved people, and even through the progression of Alzheimer's Disease, she never relinquished her tremendous sense of humor. Above all else, Netha was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and she cherished time spent with her family. Netha will be deeply missed by her children, Robert C. Gray, Jr. and his wife Donna of Derry, NH, Sheila Noe and her husband Howard of Chicopee, Gregg Shumway and his wife Pauline of Palmer, and John Shumway, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Springfield; grandchildren Derek Gray and his wife Kerry (Soule), Jeremy Dec, Christopher Dec, Heather Dec, and Daniel Dec; Danielle Shumway and her partner Angela Bryan, Nicole Davini and her husband Simon and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her loving husband Robert, Netha was predeceased by brothers Gerald, Halton, and James Bowen. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 9th from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 North Main St. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at the funeral home at 12:00 PM, with burial following at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Parker St. Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Netha's name be made to either the Alzheimer's Association, 264 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104. or to the Lupus Foundation New England, 40 Speen St. # 101, Framingham, MA 01701. "