After yet another courageous fight with her health, longtime harness racing industry participant Jeanne Elizabeth 'Jeanne' Gray of Youngs Cove, N.B. passed away on Wednesday, August 24 at the Saint John Regional Hospital with her daughter, son-in-law and sister at her side.
Jeanne was born October 18, 1945 at Armstrong’s Corner, N.B. to Bert & Mildred (Howe) Queen. After the family’s farm was expropriated to create Base Gagetown, the family moved and settled in Saint John in 1953.
Jeanne and Peter were married in 1975 and eventually settled on the farm at Youngs Cove. There, Jeanne steadfastly supported Peter in every aspect of the farm. She became involved in the 4H program when Belinda was a member and continued on in a leadership role after Belinda graduated from the program.
Jeanne always enjoyed playing Auction 45s at the Cove Road Hall on Tuesday evenings. She had a love of knitting and quilting for many years until her health declined. Her most beloved passion, however, was harness racing. Clearly, this sport was in her blood. Because her father was a horseman, she grew up loving the industry. She, along with her brothers (Donnie & Doug) as well has her sister, Dorothy, have been actively involved in horse racing. It was a great pleasure for her when the Queen Family was nominated representing New Brunswick being recognized as part of Atlantic Racing Families for their longtime contribution to the industry at an annual Atlantic Breeders Crown Banquet.
Both Peter & Jeanne were avid fans of the races and spent many hours listening and watching the races online especially the horses they bred and raised. Her two favourites were Hay You Hellion and Brumby, who were raised at their farm. Quite often, Jeanne would watch the replays of races over and over.
Jeanne is survived by her beloved daughter Belinda (David) White as well as her granddaughters Claire & Madeline. She also leaves behind stepsons Peter (Paula) Gray and Randy (Cheryl) Gray and family as well as grandchildren Keenan, Victoria, Michelle and Justin. She also leaves behind her sisters Dorothy and Mary along with her sister-in-laws Ruth and Kim, nieces and a nephew as well as several cousins.
Besides her mother and father, Jeanne was predeceased by her husband Peter and brothers Doug and Donnie as well as her brother-in-law Ken Stevens.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chipman Funeral Home. At Jeanne’s request there will be no visitation or funeral. Interment will be held at a later date.
In memory of Jeanne, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Local 4H Club, Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jeanne Gray.