Sweet Marie died October 11, 2018 due to complications from a tragic fall. Born January 23, 1935 to August and Mary Steinke, Marie grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, ruling, and borderline terrorizing, the playgrounds of her Catholic school youth, much to her dismay and regret in the retelling. Raised on a farm, milking cows twice a day and walking/busing/hitching to school as well she could, and then attending high school at St. Mary's of the Wasatch on scholarship, working in the kitchens and cleaning the classrooms so she could get her diploma. She met her future husband Dean Gray, on a blind date he surreptitiously arranged sometime in 1952. In his pursuit of Marie, Dean took a shot way above his grade, but Marie, moved by his humor and kindness, consented to him her beautiful hand and they married June 1956. Theirs has been a love story of constancy and beauty ever since.
Always searching, Marie constantly strove to make herself a better person, and this world a better place. She was: Lifetime member MX missile protest peace group; Docent Salt Lake City Art Center; Board member Ballet West; President board of directors of Judge Memorial High School; Board member Neighborhood House 12 years; Hospice volunteer at Holy Cross Hospital; Communion offeror for those infirm and unable to attend services. She was a proud and unapologetic Democrat devoted to social justice, and a devoted practitioner of Transcendental Meditation believing she might bring about world peace if only she meditated conscientiously enough. The world is not sure she succeeded in this, but boy she inspired in the effort.
A class act in every way, Marie could be whimsical and carefree, but a realist to the core. She was a stunning natural beauty with an old-school sense of style and grace. Inquisitive and well read, she loved her book clubs, always had a book to loan or recommend, and devoured novel after novel. She would kick your butt on the tennis court or golf course, at bridge or gin or pinochle, all while making sure that there were at least a few dollars on the line and that you paid quickly. She loved her sports, whether watching or participating, and knew exactly what was going on at every level.
Marie was a deep thinker and great conversationalist with a wonderful, unassuming, and sly sense of humor. Best of all, and most true to her nature, she would be embarrassed to read this glowing testament to her, but it is all directly to account, and, if anything, considerably understated.
Marie will be desperately missed and forever adored by those that survive: husband Dean, children Jerry (Kindra), Roxanne, Bill (Tamy), John (Heather), grandchildren Abigail, Henry, Chuck, Sadie, dog Killer.
Service will be held 11:00am Saturday October 20, at St. Catherine's, otherwise known as the Newman Center, 170 S University St, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Neighborhood House.
