Obituary of Marion Rea Grau

Marion Rea Grau Walker Valley, NY Marion Rea Grau joined her parents Samuel and Sophie Rea on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Marion was born April 29, 1934 in Bronx, New York. She and her family later moved to Teaneck, NJ. In 1952 she graduated from Teaneck High School. Marion was very proud of her school activities, especially having been captain of the cheerleading squad and still maintained friendships with her High School friends 63 years later. Marion began her career path working for the telephone company in New Jersey. Her “City Girl” life changed when she met the love of her life, Fred W. Grau, during a family vacation at Shongum Trail Lodge in Walker Valley, NY. Marion and Fred were married October 16, 1954 and Marion became a “Country Girl.” They just celebrated their 61st anniversary. Lifes many twists and turns led Marion on several journeys. She worked Shongum Trail Lodge and Ice Caves Mountain, as well as Tax Collector for the Pine Bush Central School District. Marion was a member of the Walker Valley Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, Volunteer with the Pine Bush Little League and Pine Bush Central School District. Marion’s greatest achievement was being “Mommy” to her favorite daughters Judith Grau Pulver (Doug), Debra Grau Sardella (Gerald), Barbara Grau Agar (Michael) and most of all her favorite son, Bill Grau (Monica). Marion taught her children love, respect compassion and that kindness matters. These qualities have been passed on to her grandchildren Jason and Michael Bergen, Jerry (Molly) and Gregory Sardella, Tyler, Brandon and Austin Agar and Christina and Maddie Grau. Her heart truly belonged to her great-granddaughter, Makenzie Bergen. Family was always first, Marion was the glue. She and her sisters June Rea Schyler (Dick) and Evelyn Rea Bethell (Ron) shared stories and memories of their childhood with everyone. Marion’s 8 nieces and nephews and their families loved spending time with “Aunt Marion” at family gatherings. Marion Rea Grau loved, was loved and will always live on in her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grand daughter, sisters nieces and nephews. A celebration of Marion’s life will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd, Pine Bush. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walker Valley Fire Company, PO Box 370, Walker Valley, NY 12588. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com