Delia Gray

Gray, Delia - It is with profound sadness that the family announces the death, on May 3, 2018, of Delia Gray, R.N., B.Sc.N., B.Admin., M.Ed, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on October 24, 1940 in Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay), daughter of James and Ruth, nee Cox, Delia attended Fort William Collegiate Institute, later graduating as a Registered Nurse from Miseracordia Hospital, Winnipeg. Following several years as a hospital nurse in Eastern Canada she returned to Thunder Bay to teach nursing students at the hospital and community college levels. During that time her love of learning led to Lakehead University degrees in Nursing, Business, and Education. Delia left nursing to enter the business field, joining a major accounting firm.  She later moved into senior administrative positions at Thunder Bay Homes for the Aged and Lakehead Regional Centre (a child and family treatment facility). During this time she was also engaged as a Sessional Lecturer at the Lakehead University School of Business.

Due to the transfer of her husband, Peter, she relocated to North Bay where she attended a government-sponsored “upgrading” computer course offered by the training arm of CTS Computer Products, later incorporated as the CTS Training Academy.  Her teaching background led to a training position with the Academy.  When CTS absorbed the defunct North Bay branch of the Ontario Business College she took a lead role in developing course content and gaining the approval of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for the initial diploma-level programs to be offered by the newly-chartered CTS Canadian Career College. As Dean of Academics, she continued to be engaged in development and registration of additional diploma programs, retiring in 2003 but retaining an association with the College, as a member of the Board of Advisors. In April, 2014, Carlos Carvalho, President and CEO named the South Wing (Social Services) of CTS Canadian Career College the “Delia Gray Wing”. 

Delia Gray is survived by her husband Peter Serkowney, son Jim Laforet of Sherwood Park, AB, sister Nancy Veneruzzo (Roy) of Thunder Bay, brother Gary (Karin) of Airdrie, AB, step-daughters Pamela Serkowney (Leigh) of North Bay, and Jillian Serkowney Ward (Terry) of  Markdale, ON. Remembered and loved by grand-children Cameron and Jacob Laforet, Caleigh and Avery Ward, and several nieces and nephews.

According to Delia’s wishes a private family ceremony will be held with cremation to follow.  Interment in Thunder Bay, ON. 

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s Societies would be greatly appreciated.