Obituary of Colleen M. Gray

A longtime Channahon, Illinois resident, Colleen Gray passed peacefully from this life Saturday evening, April 18, 2026, in the comfort of her home, with her husband at her side.

Colleen was born in Joliet, IL, on May 31, 1947, the daughter of the late Ernest and Julia (Kocsis) Bortoli. She attended SS Cyril and Methodius Grade School and Joliet Central High School.  She was a member of Three Rivers Gardening Angels, Bosom Buddies and the CCW of St. Ann Catholic Church in Channahon.  Colleen was also a seven year volunteer with Lightways Hospice.

She is the beloved wife of 61 years to Robert "Bob" Gray; loving mother of Tammy (Richard) Bartel and Robert Gray, Jr.; proud grandmother of Matthew Gray, Alysa Bartel, Maya Gray and Mikaela Gray; dear sister of Bonnie (Carl) Sowa and fond aunt of several nieces and nephews. A number of cousins and many great friends also survive.

The Gray family would like to express their gratitude for the special care from Nurse Jacquie, CNA Shelby and CNA Ashley of Lightways Hospice.

Visitation for Colleen M. Gray will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Channahon where all are welcome to gather from 10:00 a.m. until Mass begins at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place later at Willard Grove Cemetery in Channahon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, would be appreciated.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.