Barbara A. Gray of Southampton Dies January 14

Barbara A. Gray of Southampton died on January 14 at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, surrounded by her family. She was 85.

Born on December 15, 1938, in Queens, to Francis and Theresa Williams, she was ambitious. Always a working woman, she was ahead of her time in wanting a career, something that was often discouraged for women of her generation.

Starting at IBM, she pursued a career in businesses. She reinvented herself as the times demanded. From the Main Street Southampton shop Sheets and Company, which she owned with her business partner, Florence Fink, to her real estate career of over 30 years, she applied a tireless work ethic and drive to everything she did, her family said. She instilled those values to all her children.

She loved Southampton, she never met a stranger. Walking in the village, she seemed to know everyone. She spent a lot of her time helping others achieve their goals, and in doing so created a ripple effect in the community.

Her family and friends will remember her hearty laugh, her elegance and style and her love for a life well lived.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Audrey Rooney and Cathleen Wagner. Her family believes that her family’s reunion was filled with plenty of dancing.

She is survived by four children, Jackie Nilsen (Karl) of Sag Harbor, Michael Rozzi (Susan) of South Bend, Indiana, Joanne Muller (Bill) of Southampton, and Andrew Gray (Jennifer) of Portland, Oregon; her grandchildren, Olivia and Liam Rozzi and Jennifer and William Muller; many nieces and nephews in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; as well as many loyal friends.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton. Memorial visitation will take place on April 6 and April 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., both days, at the funeral home. A funeral Mass at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary will take place on Monday, April 8, at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Lung Association (lung.org) or Heart of the Hamptons (heartofthehamptons.org).