Eva May Gregory

Eva May “Sally” Gregory, 97, of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024, at her summer home in Sawyer, MI.

Sally was born October 4, 1926, in Chicago, IL to Osmer L Waterman and Eva M Joynt. She was married to Rex F. Gregory for 52 years from 1956 until his death in 2009.

Survivors include: her children Paul “Ziggy” “Moose” Gregory and Martha (Don) Graffy; her grandchildren David (Kari) Graffy and Melissa (Mark) Tatara; and great grandchildren Jaxson and Hailey Graffy, and Hannah and James Tatara.

Sally received her AA degree from North Park College followed by a BS degree in Economics from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL where she was a member of Kappa Tau sorority and Alpha Psi Omega National Honorary Dramatic Fraternity.

Her work career began with 5 years at Dearborn Chemical followed by 5 years at WGN TV before she opted to stay home to raise her family. She returned to the workforce later in life for a one-year stint as the Manager for the Molex Credit Union. She was active in many organizations, particularly the Glen Ellyn Women’s Club where she was a member for 52 years and served in officer positions for 22 of those years. She was also a member of DAR, Colonial Dames, and Reliquarians.

One place that was a special blessing to her was the cottage purchased by her parents in Bethany Beach, Sawyer, MI, where Sally spent time during every one of her 97 years. She served 9 years on the board of her Bethany Beach community, with 3 years as Secretary, 4 years as Financial Secretary and 2 years as President.

Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was an active member of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in Chicago, Faith Lutheran and St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran in Glen Ellyn and Bethany Beach Tabernacle in Sawyer, MI.

She was known for dressing entirely in white every day from late spring through early fall and for her signature hairdo with a French twist in back. She could often be found on Bethany Beach, sitting in her chair at the water’s edge, with her feet in the water, a smile on her face, and a book in her hand.

Visitation from 4-8 pm on Friday, September 13 at Leonard Memorial Funeral Home, 565 Duane, Glen Ellyn, IL. Memorial Service on Saturday, September 14 at 11am, St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 23W080 Butterfield Rd, Glen Ellyn, IL.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Beach Tabernacle, PO Box 365, Sawyer, MI 49125.

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