Sybil Gray

Sybil Davidson Gray, age 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 20, 2025, in Palm Coast, Florida. Whether in person or virtually, she felt the presence and love of those closest to her. Sybil was born on May 25, 1935, in the small coal-mining village of Donkin, near Glace Bay in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, alongside her twin sister, Sonia. She was the daughter of Robert Davidson and Janet Corbin. In 1947, Sybil’s mother was sponsored to the United States by her sister, who was already a citizen, while Robert remained in Canada to care for the twins. The family reunited in 1948 when Robert and the girls also immigrated. They proudly became U.S. citizens in 1954 — a milestone Sybil spoke of often. After graduating high school, Sybil married Alvah Gray in 1957. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Karen in 1958 and Doreen in 1960. In 1964, the family moved from Kearny to Avenel, New Jersey, where Sybil lived until 2008. A devoted wife and mother, Sybil managed the household while Alvah pursued a government career and his education. She carried the weight of raising two daughters largely on her own during an era when “solo parenting” was rare. During this time, she also suffered the great loss of her mother, Janet, to whom she was very close. Deeply committed to her community, Sybil served as a Girl Scout leader, a faithful member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church Ladies’ Society for more than 50 years, and a devoted volunteer visiting nursing home residents — often accompanied by her daughters. Her daughter Karen would brighten residents’ rooms with artwork, while Doreen shared her mother’s dedication to service. Sybil’s love for her country was unmistakable. On every patriotic holiday, she could be found proudly dressed in one of her many red, white, and blue outfits. While living in Pennsylvania, she always made sure her son-in-law, Don, had his flag pin on his lapel before heading off to work. She lived to decorate for these holidays, joyfully bringing out the flags, streamers, balloons, and buntings to adorn her home, apartment, rooms, her daughter’s front porch, driveway, and even the mailbox. Her beloved grand-dogs were always included in the festivities—and never seemed to mind. The proud American in her cherished every detail of the day, long ago, when she and her family became U.S. citizens. To the very core of her being, Sybil was a patriot. Sybil’s laughter was contagious, especially during football games when she’d banter with the television. She was the first resident of Maple Tree Manor in Avenel, where she became a beloved hostess at every holiday event until moving in 2008 to live with Karen in Pennsylvania. She also loved to travel, especially with the St. Andrew’s Seniors Group and her dearest friend, Dolores Stawinski. The two were inseparable, filling every moment with laughter. Sybil was deeply affected by Dolores’s passing in 2024. In her later years, Sybil moved to Florida to live with her daughter Doreen and her family. There, she became known as “the mayor of the cul-de-sac,” beloved by all her neighbors. She dressed up every single day — complete with matching Crocs — saying it gave her purpose and joy. Sybil’s devotion to family was unwavering. She shared a close bond with both of her sons-in-law, Pete and Don, and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sybil played scrabble often as a family, she and her SIL Pete always played cards for hours, she was Doreen’s sewing partner and Kombucha Brewing assistant. In her 80s, Sybil embraced veganism — first to support her grandson Pete, and then fully for her love of animals. She proudly lost 70 pounds over four and a half years, feeling healthier and energized. She even veganized her famous cream cheese pie, ensuring it remains a holiday family tradition. Sybil also found joy in sending thoughtful cards, a small but meaningful way she stayed connected to those she loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jannet Davidson; her twin sister, Sonia Johnston; her grandson, Patrick Farr; her granddaughter, Jeanette Reimann; and her great-grandson, Andrew Tarquinio. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Carr (and husband Don) and Doreen Reimann (and husband Pete); her grandson, Peter Reimann Jr.; and her great-grandchildren, Anthony Galya and Summer Stok. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal sanctuary in Sybil’s memory — a cause close to her heart. A celebration of Sybil’s life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather together in Florida. Those desiring may leave messages of sympathy and encouragement by going to her tribute page at: https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/sybil-gray/#!/TributeWall. St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine, FL, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sybil Gray

May 25, 1935 - September 20, 2025