Betsy S. Gray

Betsy passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on November 6, 2020 at the Palms in Ponte Vedra Florida where she had been living for the past three years close to her daughter, Joan Cianci. She was predeceased by her husband, George Gray (1995), her husband Edward Sgalio (2007) and her son-in-law Albert Sternberg (2018). Betsy Anne Surmont was born in Morristown NJ on October 11, 1927 to Camille and Anna Surmont. She worked in medical offices and the bell labs until she met and married George W. Gray on January 18, 1947. Together they raised three children in Morris Plains in a home built by George’s father. The family belonged to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where they were active members. Betsy enjoyed life as a homemaker until her children began college and she began a career in retailing rising from sales to human resources in Epsteins—something she was very proud of. When they retired, Betsy and George moved to Flemington and spent winters in Florida with a community of friends. During those 10 years they enjoyed and entertained their children, grandchildren, family and friends until George passed away in 1995, their love and 48 years together created a wonderful life. Betsy was a remarkable knitter. She designed sweaters, hats, mittens, afghans, and doll clothes. She donated baby hats and blankets to churches and hospitals. If she didn’t have knitting needles in her hands she had a crossword puzzle book, a novel or the bible. Betsy was later married to Edward Sgalio and, until Edward passed away, they spent 11 years happily enjoying New Jersey, Atlantic City, Florida and their families. Betsy was known for her beauty, her red hair, her sense of humor, her generosity and kindness, and her love of family. Betsy’s children and grandchildren all recognized and appreciated her devotion to them; the great-grandchildren lovingly called her “Big Mama.” Throughout her life Betsy attracted groups of friends and neighbors who she also treated as family. Her faith was strong and those who knew and loved her will carry happy memories of the love and joy and fun she brought to the world. She is survived by her sister, Helen Carroll, her sister-in-law, Janet Gray; children, Judith Gray, George Gray (Adelina), and Joan Cianci (James); five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, Joe Cianci (Jennifer), Julie Tripoli and Luke and Josh; Jamie Cianci (Alexis) and Rory, Lauren, and Ryan; Trevor Gray (Melody) and Eve and Penny; and Tanner Gray (Nicole) and Orin, Fisher and Willow. Betsy is also survived by the Sgalios, Edward and Arnold and their families, and many loving nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be private in Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover, NJ under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 29 Hillview Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 or www.stpaulsmp.org, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.