Galia Gray, 87, died peacefully Feb. 16, 2004.

She was born Jan. 13, 1917, in Kiev, Russia. She spent her last years living at the Homestead Adult Care Home in Coupeville.

She came to Whidbey Island, from New York City, Jan. 1, 1980, with her husband, Robert B. Gray.

She immigrated to the United states in 1930. Her parents were members of a Russian Opera Group. She was an artistic prodigy and expressed that talent through music, dance and art. She was on the cover of Vogue magazine in the 1930s. She is remembered by many for her artwork, especially her Ukrainian Easter Eggs.

According to her family, Mrs. Gray, was a “bigger than life” sort of person. She had a passion for life. She adored her children and grandchildren. She had great compassion and would be there for you wholeheartedly.

She leaves behind four children: Vickie Peterson, of Santa Maria, Calif., Richard Gray of Santa Clarita, Calif., Robert Gray of Langley, and Polly Gray of Freeland.

Mrs. Gray’s family thanks her friends, the MAC Unit and Home Health of Whidbey General Hospital, Dorris Tressler of the Homestead and others whose lives she touched.

Her ashes will be buried at Bayview Cemetery at a future date.