Obituaries

Mary Noel (Fruik) Gilray, age 82, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on June 1, 2024. She was born on December 20, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Leonard and Mary (Furlong) Fruik.

Noel grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Loretto High School. She married John Gilray on February 1, 1964, and celebrated sixty years of marriage this past February. Noel worked as an LPN at War Memorial Hospital on the long-term care unit, where she met some amazing lifelong friends. She loved her children and adored her grandchildren. Noel was awarded the Legion of Merit Award, 1437th for being a supportive military spouse, after forty years.

Noel was a member of St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral.

Noel enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and family on Neebish Island. Her favorite past times was watching freighters and wildlife. She also loved meeting new people, visiting with friends and the weekly trip to TJ Maxx.

Noel is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Mary (Jim) Elliott of Sault Ste. Marie; son, Gordon (Wendi) Gilray of Neebish Island; grandchildren, Joseph Hadfield, Christopher Hadfield, Logan Gilray and Allison Gilray.

Noel was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Mary; and brothers, Gary Fruik, Robert Fruik and John Fruik.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Memorial Prayers will begin at 12:00 Noon.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 12:00 Noon at
Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 377 Maple St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Noel’s final resting place will be at the Oaklawn Chapel Gardens.

The Family would like to thank the Capt. and crew (Lonnie and Mandy) of the Neebish Island ferry, and the Kinross EMS for their service.

Memorial Contributions may be given to St. Mary’s School, 360 Maple St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.