GRAY Audrey (née Hurdman) 1930-2022 **UPDATE**

March 23, 1930 – February 27, 2022

Audrey died quietly on Sunday, February 27th at the Hôpital du Suroît in Valleyfield after a short illness. She was predeceased by her husband Melvin (1987). She is survived by her sons, Larry (Beth Bowser) and Allan (Bev Bethune), her grandchildren Tracy, Mark (Megan Osler) and Lesley (Ryan Andre) and great-grandchildren (Annie and Alistair).

Audrey grew up in Montreal during the great depression and World War II when rationing was a way of life. As a result, great consideration was always given before discarding anything, which was very obvious to anyone who visited her workshop.  The Hurdman family moved from Montreal to Como in 1947 to enjoy life in the country. By chance, while attending the famous bottle race, she met her future husband Melvin Gray. The newlyweds settled in Como where they started their family.

Audrey’s love of dogs led her to starting Grayfield Kennels in the early 1960s. Her first love was Collies, but she was also  a successful breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs and Bearded Collies. Over the years her dogs produced many well known national and international champions.  Audrey was an active member of the United Kennel Club for over 50 years and served repeatedly as the Show Secretary for The Montreal International Dog Show.

Audrey had several passions and her creative flair was most evident in her sewing and gardening projects.  Her keen eye for fashion and style led her and Mel to start a picture framing and upholstery business. Their orange Westphalia van was a fixture at Finnegan’s market for many years.  She also served on the board of directors of the Greenwood Centre for Living History for years and worked tirelessly on “Treasures in The Attic”.

After selling the family home of 50 years in St. Lazare, Audrey spent her final years at Kilteevan. Independent and alert to the end, a visit without her grand-dog Maggie was frowned upon.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private burial will take place in March.

A memorial service and celebration of life for Audrey will take place Saturday May 28th, 2022 at 2pm at Greenwood Centre, 254 Main Road, Hudson. This will be an outdoor event under a tent rain or shine. In keeping with the spirit of Audrey hats for the ladies would be appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hôpital du Suroît in Valleyfield.

6 Comments

  • Rod Hodgson Posted 02/03/2022 9:52 pm

    My deepest sympathies to all of the Gray family. A lovely lady and a great neighbour on Kilteevan.

  • Johanna Wilson Posted 04/03/2022 5:38 pm

    Audrey and I were friends for over 50 years. I sadly miss her. We had many adventures going to Dog Shows together. The 2 of us with 2 other friends went out for lunch regularly. We always had dessert, it was our most planned part of our meal. We had so many things we liked in common. Best of all was our love for our sons. Some day, I met you again. Love Johanna

  • Diane & Arthur Newman Posted 05/03/2022 11:12 am

    Our deepest condolences to the entire Gray family

  • Barb Simpson Posted 06/03/2022 2:09 pm

    Audrey’s phone call was nearly always the first one of my day and often my last one of my night. I will miss her laugh and her positive outlook on setbacks.. She was a very special lady.. I am thankful that she was my friend.. My love and sympathy to her family.

  • Sandra Gahan Posted 10/03/2022 7:41 pm

    Audrey was a great friend to me when I first moved to St. Lazare. She took me under her wing to teach me how to run a dog show. Audrey and Mel were such wonderful people, always ready to lend a hand. My condolences to her family.

  • Maureen & Norm DeCelles Posted 08/07/2022 6:17 am

    What a wonderful lady! We have known her for years and years. First thru the dog show circuit and lastly Greenwood. I was always happy to chat with Audrey, she was a good friend to both myself and Norm. My condolences to her family, she will be missed by all who knew her.

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