Cecelia Dohen Gregory, of Montclair, NJ, died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 4th, surrounded by her children. Born July 23, 1929, in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx, NY, Mrs. Gregory was the daughter of William J. and Elizabeth A. Gutscher Dohen. After graduating from St. Barnabas High School, Woodlawn, as class valedictorian, she attended the College of Good Counsel, White Plains, NY. In 1973, once her children were all in school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Kean College, NJ.

Mrs. Gregory and her husband, Edward Reed Gregory, who died in July 1999, were married October 28, 1950. They began their married life in Bayside, NY, and moved to Montclair in 1969. She is survived by their eight children: Judith M. Gregory, (Lawrence Pierce), Ballston Spa, NY; Joseph R. Gregory, (Marie-Gaelle), Paris, France; Edward P. Gregory, (Marylyn), Bernardsville, NJ; Elizabeth A. Gregory, (David Black), Avondale Estates, GA; Sheila G. McMenamin (Joseph), Bernardsville, NJ; Mary G. Suminski, (Richard), Hershey, PA; Daniel J. Gregory, (Martha), Summit, NJ; and Jane G. Dwyer, (Timothy), Wayne, PA. Also surviving are a sister, Matilde Nolte, and her husband Norbert, of Schuylerville, NY; as well as 21 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, a great-grandson, and many nieces, nephews and very dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by three sisters: Elizabeth and Dorothy Dohen, and Eveleen Gallagher.

An intellectual and an avid reader, Mrs. Gregory had many interests and causes which she fully supported. For many years she sang as an alto with the New Jersey Oratorio Society. She was a patron of the arts and loved attending and supporting the New York City and American Ballet theaters, as well as the Metropolitan Opera. She was a talented pianist and supported many musical and theatrical organizations, such as NJPAC and the New Jersey Shakespeare Theater. Her many charitable interests also included the American Indian Project, the Heifer Project, Medical Mission Sisters, Covenant House and Haiti orphan relief. Mrs. Gregory volunteered in so many capacities, but perhaps most important to her was that of English literacy tutor to adult learners, as well as to children through the Montclair public school system.




Arrangements are being handled by Caggiano Funeral Home, Montclair. Friends and family are welcome there on Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., or 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday, at St. Cassian R.C. Church, 187 Bellevue Ave., Montclair. In lieu of flowers, it's requested that donations be made to either: the Music Program at St. Cassian R.C. Church, c/o Fr. Camilo Cruz, 187 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043; or to the Oratorio Society of New Jersey, c/o Arnold Shurkin, Treasurer, 124 Gregory Ave., Passaic, NJ 07055, or to Catholic Relief Services.

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