Visitation Set For Beloved, Longtime Oak Forest Alderwoman

OAK FOREST, IL — Visitation has been set for beloved, longtime Oak Forest alderwoman and animal advocate Laura Gray.

Gray, 62, served as alderwoman of the city's First Ward for 15 years. She died Feb. 14 following a battle with cancer.

Gray will lie in state Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., at St. Damian Catholic Church, 5300 W. 155th Street, Oak Forest. Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m.

"Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of former First Ward Alderwoman Laura Gray, who actively served the City of Oak Forest for 15 years," the City said on Thursday. "A passionate animal lover, Laura began serving Oak Forest as a volunteer with the city’s Animal Control program—eventually helping to establish the Friends of Animal Control group to provide rescue and re-homing of unclaimed and abandoned animals, improve facility conditions, and educate the community in responsible pet ownership and care."

Gray also served as the Streetscape Commission chair, participating in beautification projects throughout the city as well as coordinating and judging the Forest in Bloom Awards.
In addition to working in the community, Laura had a successful career in the financial services and investment banking industry, officials said.

"Her professional experience gave her a greater understanding of the importance of integrity and teamwork," the City said.

"As an alderwoman, Laura’s goal was to be open, honest and responsive to residents’ needs."

Family wrote in her obituary that "animal rescue was Laura's true passion in life—and her desire to help all living creatures never lessened, even as her illness progressed.

"Laura will be welcomed at the Rainbow Bridge by all of her departed pets that held a special place in her heart. Nothing made Laura happier than to spend time snuggling with her pets.

"Laura worked and supported many local animal rescue groups throughout her life- and fostered many animals while they waited for their new loving homes."

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials in her name be made to the following organizations so that more animals can be saved:

• Live Like Roo Foundation, 566 West Lake Street, # 227, Chicago, Il. 60661
• LuLu's Locker Rescue PO Box 321, Frankfort, Il. 60423