Mary "Betsy" Elizabeth Gray

New Kensington, PA – Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Gray, 79, of New Kensington, PA, finally decided to hang up her earthly cape on December 8, 2024.

Born on March 23, 1945, in New Kensington, Betsy was the beloved daughter of the late Mary Prosser and Frank Gray, and, let's be honest, she probably gave her mother a run for her money. She was also predeceased by the love of her life, James William Jackson, and her son, Richard "Richie" Gray, a role she undoubtedly took on with her signature blend of love and a healthy dose of "I told you so."

Surviving Betsy are her loving children: Bridget Jones and her children: Alyse Jones, Gary (Lexi) Jones, Colleen (Bryan) Lipke, and Patrick Dewitt; Jamie Hunsinger and her children: Zachary Powell and Alex Hunsinger; and James "Jimbo" (Justina) Jackson and his children: Jorel Burrell and James Jackson, as well as her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betsy dedicated her life to her family and her career as a professional and private beautician, where she likely dispensed more than just hair advice. She was known for her kind heart, adventurous spirit, and a wit that could cut through steel. Betsy enjoyed playing Scrabble (and crushing her opponents), listening to music (loudly, of course), and soaking up the sun.

Betsy was a strong and independent woman with a no-nonsense personality and a fiery spirit that could melt glaciers. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always there with a listening ear and a warm embrace. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, though perhaps not her opponents at Scrabble.

Per her wishes, there will be no formal funeral service, but family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and pay last respects from 2-5pm on Saturday, December 14th at:

Mason’s “Fox Hotel” – 240 Washington Blvd, New Kensington, PA 15068

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to dementia research, because if there's one thing Betsy wouldn't stand for, it's forgetting how to play a good game of Scrabble.  ROSS G. WALKER was entrusted with arrangements. 
 

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