Ailsa Houlsby Gray

Ailsa Houlsby Gray of Ellenville, NY, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the Ellenville Regional Hospital. She was 82 years old. Ailsa was born on January 15, 1932 in South Shields, England; she was the daughter of Norah and Captain John Gray.

Ailsa, a graduate of Dominican College received her Master’s Degree from NYU and started her career at Letchworth Village where she worked as an occupational therapist. She was a dedicated professional and climbed her way to the top eventually retiring from Helen Hayes where she was the Chief of Occupational Therapy.

Mrs. Gray was a member of the Shawangunk Garden Club. She carried on her love of gardening at her home. Ailsa was extremely active with A.A. for the past 40 years where she both received andprovided strength and experience through the fellowship of the recovering community. She was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling and was a lover of classical music and animals. Ailsa was a congregant of St. John’s Memorial Episcopal Church where she remained active until her passing.

Ailsa is survived by her daughters, Judi Auerbach and her husband Elliott of Ellenville, and Dr. Jill Sally Gray of California; her daughter-in-law Linda Leibel; her grandchildren, Evan Auerbach, Corey and his wife Meg Stevenson Auerbach, Kim Auerbach Michaels and her husband Christopher West Michaels, Amy and Danny Leibel, Steven and Collin Thach; her great grandchildren, Charlotte Rose and Benjamin Wallace Auerbach and Sydney West Michaels; her caregiver and companion, Julie Serwaa and her beloved dog Daisy Mae.

 Ailsa was predeceased by her son John K. Leibel.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14th at 11am at St. John’s Memorial Episcopal Church, 40 Market St., Ellenville, NY.

Contributions may be made in Ailsa’s name to the Ellenville Regional Hospital Foundation,10 Healthy Way, Ellenville NY 12428