Quick-witted, resilient and independent

Published January 17, 2019

LOWELL — Janice L. (Vaughn) Gray, 89, of Lowell and formerly of Sparta, Wisconsin, died unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

She was the beloved wife of the late David S. Gray. Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on March 31, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Haughton G. and Ethel J. (McCuen) Vaughn.

She was a graduate of La Crosse Logan High School in Wisconsin and graduated with a B.S. from The Stout Institute in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Jan worked in the Walnut Room for Marshal Fields in Chicago, did food prep for the TV show “What’s Cooking” in San Diego, was a self day care provider, was supervisor of the clean room at Haemonetics Corp., and was owner of From the Hearth Bakery in Merrimack, N.H.

Jan was funny, quick-witted and resilient. She had an independent spirit and determination to strive for excellence. Jan took care of others in her family, community and church. She was a baker, quilt maker, enjoyed reading about the Civil War, history, and many other topics. Jan was an organizer and a hard worker in harvest supper, cookie sales and soup supper for the Sparta United Methodist Church.

Family members include her loving sons, Stephen Gray and his wife Joannie of Maynard and Alan Gray and his wife Maria of North Reading, and the late Jonathan Richard who died shortly after his birth; her loving daughter, Lisa Gray and her husband Leor Zolman of North Reading; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Her services will be private and held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the American Red Cross or to Sparta United Methodist Church, 210 N. Court St., Sparta, WI 54656. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.