Obituary of Alta C. Gras

Alta C. Gras, 90, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away November 15, 2011. Alta was born May 23, 1921 in Roslindale, Massachusetts to Harold and Gracia Campbell. She graduated from Framingham Teachers College in Massachusetts with a degree as a Dietician. Alta met her husband of 68 years, Edwin C. Gras, shortly after college. It was love at first sight; they married on July 2, 1943. After the war, they settled full time in Annapolis Maryland. Alta graciously and energetically volunteered for the Girl Scouts in Annapolis MD (along with her best friend Laddie Flyger who predeceased her this year) as a troop leader and song leader extraordinaire. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church and the Anne Arundel County Bird Club. Alta enjoyed sailing with Ed and their many friends on the Chesapeake Bay. After Ed's retirement, they moved to Marathon Key in Florida where she added teaching aqua size aerobics and singing with the local Sweet Adelines to her contributions. In 1986 they came to Port Charlotte where she was a member of the choir at the First Presbyterian Church. Alta held several official positions over 18 years with the Friends of Music of Charlotte County. In 2003 Alta helped sponsored a "Woman's Build" house for Habitat for Humanity. Her last years were spent at South Port Square. She will be missed by her husband Edwin C. Gras, daughter Carole A. Gras of Lawrence, MA, son Robert S. Gras and wife Karen of Fairbanks, Alaska. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in January at South Port Square at a time to be announced. Memorial Contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity in memory of Alta.