Arlene Gray

Ledyard — Arlene O. Gray, 87, peacefully went to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 13, 2018, surrounded by family at home following a short illness. She was married for 49 years to Raymond Gray Sr., who passed away in 1998.

Arlene was born Nov. 14, 1930, in Coopers Mills, Maine, the daughter of Pearl and Maude Prescott. Arlene was the youngest child in the family and was predeceased by her 12 brothers and sisters. Although Arlene and Raymond moved to Connecticut in the 1960s, Maine was home to their family. As a couple, Arlene and Ray worked together to provide for their five children, building a family home in Ledyard.

Arlene especially loved family times, celebrating all the holidays, working in her garden, going to the movies and opening her home to all. Anyone who needed a place was always welcomed at “Ma Gray’s” table. She was well-loved by so many in return. Arlene spent the last 15 years traveling, gardening and going out to dinner with her good friend Albert Lambert, also a widower, until Al’s passing last year.

Two weeks ago, Arlene accepted the Lord and God and was baptized at the Ledyard Congregational Church, where she was warmly embraced by the congregation.

Arlene leaves three daughters, Cam Fogg and husband, Don, of Norwich, Carmen Gray of Griswold and Karen Kemp of Plymouth, Mass.; two sons, Raymond Gray Jr. of Ledyard and Wayne Gray of Kinston, Ala.; as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Ave., Norwich. Arlene’s funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 22, at Ledyard Congregational Church, 722 Col. Ledyard Highway, Ledyard. Burial will take place later in the spring in the family plot in Highland Cemetery in Jefferson, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.