Eleanor Gray

Eleanor Gray, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of August 6, 2013, following a brave battle for the past 8 years with dementia. She was born Eleanor Clara Chapman on July 25, 1926, the daughter of William and Christie (Forsythe) Chapman in Haverhill, NH. She spent her early years living in Haverhill, NH with her parents. She was an only child. Her sister died during childbirth. On February 12, 1946, she married Arthur K Gray and together they raised 6 children. They made their home in Bradford, VT, where she loved being a homemaker to her large family. She was a selfless person, always putting her needs last. She loved to cook, walk the children to swimming lessons at Baldwin Bridge, playing cribbage, embroidery, and making a loving home for her family. She was an avid Red Sox fan and loved sparring with her son-in-law, who was an avid Yankees fan. She also loved country music and was able to go to see Reba McIntire twice and Alan Jackson at the Champlain Valley Fair. Later on, after the children were in high school she worked several years at the Bradford Veneer Mill. She will always remain in our hearts. She was a special woman who spread her love with a smile, kind gesture, or just to help someone in need. She always expressed an attitude of hope and love to her family as well as to others. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent many wonderful years, after selling her house, at Colonial Village in Bradford, VT., where she made many friends and so enjoyed making her apartment her home. She liked going shopping with her neighbors and going out to eat and have get- togethers there at the apartment complex. She made many wonderful friends and memories there. For the past eight years she lived at Valley View home in Fairlee, VT due to the dementia. They loved her at Valley View. She was always so funny with her jokes and had such a tremendous sense of humor which she passed on to her children. She made everyone's day there something to look forward to. They will forever miss her constant smile and presence, as we do. She was a strong woman who kept going until God said it was time to rest. She was loved by so many. We will forever miss all of the lifetime of memories made with MOM. They will forever be in our hearts to cherish and remember. She always loved the family get-togethers, especially the grandchildren, who never failed to put a smile on her face. So many precious memories to hold on to. She shined a soft light on the lives she touched. She made a difference in people's lives. She will always be remembered as a beautiful and amazing person, who was also a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Her struggle is over, time to rest in peace with dad. She is survived by her 6 children: James A. Gray, of So. Barre, VT. Shirley and Homer Kingsbury Jr. of West Newbury, VT., Thomas and MaryEllen Gray of Bradford, VT., Robert Gray of Haverhill, NH., Michael Gray and Beverly Gray of Corinth, VT. Grandchildren and spouses: Tracey and Robert Gauthier, Jamie and Elizabeth Kingsbury, Evan Kingsbury, Ryan and Rachel Gray, Lauren and Derrick Calkins, Emily Gray, Kara Gray, David Kemp, Jessica Gray. Great grandchildren: Taylor and Riley Gauthier, Mackenzie and Landon Kingsbury, and Carson Calkins. She was pre-deceased by her husband Arthur K. Gray on June 10, 1987, her mother Christie Gray in 1983 and a grandson Christopher Gray in 2008. There were no calling hours and her beautiful graveside service was held on August 9, 2013. Memorial contributions may be made to a local chapter of Alzheimer's or to the American Heart Association. The hale Funeral Home of Bradford, VT is in charge of arrangements. To view an online guestbook go to www.halefuneralhomes.com To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Eleanor Gray, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Eleanor Gray

July 25, 1926 - August 6, 2013