Mary Ellen Gramps

Mary E. Gramps, 100, a resident of the Peninsula the past twenty years, died February 1, 2009 in Long Beach. The daughter of Allen and Lelia (Newland) Simpson, she was born in Victoria, B.C., Canada on October 6, 1908. Mary emigrated from Canada at an early age with her parents and settled in Portland, Oregon. At age 10 Mary contacted spinal meningitis and lost her hearing. She attended Tucker-Maxon school for the deaf in Portland and graduated from Franklin High School in southeast Portland. On August 31, 1929 she married Harry Gramps and the couple settled in Portland where Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She was active in various organizations in the deaf community and active in the Catholic faith. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, puzzles and animals. In past years she was also an avid bowler and she and Harry enjoyed trips to Reno, Nevada with family and friends. Mary moved to the Peninsula 20 years ago to be near family. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Seaview and was proud to have celebrated her milestone 100th birthday this past October. Mary is survived by sons and daughter-in-laws Mike and Barbara Gramps and Bruce and Sandi Gramps both of Ocean Park; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry and daughter Patricia Lee. Mary's life and faith will be honored at a service at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Seaview. Private committal will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Astoria, Oregon. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.