Solveig Christine “Teenie” Gray passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 16, 2009 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 11, 1915. Her parents, Johan and Inga (Satre) Kjelbak had recently immigrated to the USA from Trysil, Norway. Suddenly widowed in 1922, Inga moved to Mazenod, Saskatchewan where she met and married Archie Cunningham. Christine grew up outdoors, working with animals, farm chores, stooking and all. After nurses training and working at Weyburn Provincial Hospital in 1938, she met her husband-to-be, Donald Gray, while visiting her sister Margaret at Big Beaver, SK, in 1942. Ten days they were engaged and both attended Briercrest Bible College before they wed on August 31, 1943. Following several years in local pastorates, they sailed for Africa in 1949 to work with the Sudan Interior Mission in Ethiopia. From 1949 to 1979 they served in Ethiopia, engaging in true “pioneer” work in several remote areas. Christine loved children; however unable to have their own; through God’s leading in 1967, they adopted a baby girl, MaryAnne, in Moose Jaw. Following the Communist overthrow of the emperor Haile Selassie, Teenie and Donald had to depart their beloved Ethiopia suddenly in 1977, returning to Canada to start a new, leaving behind everything they owned. After fulfilling their ‘reassignment’ to Sokoto, Nigeria from 1978 to 1982, they retired to Three Hills, Alberta, where MaryAnne finished high school and attended Prairie Bible College. Several years later, they moved “back home” to Moose Jaw, finally to Caronport, SK. Teenie and Don have been at Chateau St. Michaels, Moose Jaw, since 2006. Christine enjoyed painting, writing poetry, playing accordion, guitar, piano and singing. She had a special way with all animals, and even wildlife she encountered. Christine is fondly remembered for her lively and energetic spirit, sense of fun and adventure, love for family and friends, and most of all, her love for her Lord Jesus. Lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband of 66 years, Donald Gray, her daughter MaryAnne Camaiani, grandchildren Aslan Teva Satre Camaiani, and Dante Sebastian Camaiani, her beloved sister Mary Crooks, much loved nieces and nephews, many grand-nieces, grand-nephews and their children – all of whom she enjoyed so much and prayed for faithfully. Predeceased by her beloved mother Inga, father Johan, stepfather Archie, brother Samuel, sister Margaret and nephew David McPeek. The Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Moose Jaw Alliance Church (9th Ave. NW/Thatcher Dr.), at 1:30 pm, Reverend Donald Olsen officiating. Visitation hour will take place at 10:00 am for family and close friends (also at the Church), burial at 11:30, Caronport Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to SIM International and will benefit ongoing projects in her beloved Ethiopia. In living memory of Teenie, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Condolences can also be mailed to W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home, 106 Athabasca St.E., Moose Jaw, SK., S6H 0L4
DANA SMITH FUNERAL DIRECTOR