Nancy M. Gray

Nancy M. Gray, 97, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away February 11, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Rockford on November 28, 1922, the daughter of Anthony and Christina (Fontana) Ciancone. Nancy was united in marriage on May 7, 1955 to Dewey Gray at St. James Catholic Church. She was a lifetime charter member of the American Lombardi Club Auxiliary. Nancy was the family matriarch, and enjoyed family get-togethers as well as cooking, especially her mostaccioli. Her favorite past times were crocheting (and donating countless doilies to local nursing homes) and watching birds wherever she happened to be. Thanks to Dewey, her adopted favorite color was red. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dewey; daughter, Vickie (Gary) Hilker; grandchildren, Eric Drager, Todd (Susette) Drager, Jennifer (Tony) Smith, and Jamie Kilgore; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, Skylar, Grant, Gina, Gabriel, Hyrum, John, Liberty, Ariahnna, Kingston, Jamir, and Willie; great-great-grandchild, Brynley; sister-in-law, Liz Ciancone, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents; daughter, Bonnie Drager; son, Charles L. Gray; granddaughter-in-law Lori Drager; grandson, Matthew McCarter; brother, Elmer Ciancone; and sister, Leida Deferville. Our deepest gratitude goes to the entire, most exceptional staffs of Independence Village, River Bluff Nursing Home, and OSF Hospice. Nancy was very grateful for the professional, respectful, and always loving care shown to her by these 3 organizations. A Memorial Service will be at Fitzgerald Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be to Nancy’s family for a donation to be made at a later date. To send online condolences or share memories please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.