Elaine Marie Dray

Stratham – Elaine Marie Dray, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, at the age of 98. Born on April 6, 1926, in Worcester, MA, Elaine was the cherished only child of the late Leo and Mary Violet (Palmer) McDonough. She shared a loving marriage of 64 years with her husband, Robert J. Dray, until his passing in 2015. Elaine grew up in Worcester, MA, and after graduating from Worcester State Teacher’s College, she dedicated herself to teaching 5th-grade English. In November 1951, she married Bob and devoted her life to raising their family. As a mother of eight, Elaine’s greatest joy was being with her family. Her imagination was on great display over the years cooking wonderful homemade dinners, including desserts, for a family of 10 (sometimes more!). Her heart and soul were in the loving care of making Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and family birthdays memorable. Elaine, known to us as Mom, loved the ocean and many enjoyed rides with her along the New Hampshire and Maine seacoasts, appreciating the beauty in that love. She loved excursions driving down Cape Cod 6A, visiting the Mansfield Country Store and the Village Barn. She was passionate about Boston sports, especially the Larry Bird Celtics era and the Tom Brady Patriots. The first snowfall of the year thrilled her. Elaine personified “content” in all things. She was always sending thoughtful cards and notes. Goodbyes after family and friend visits often included tears. Elaine was a quiet, yet strong, intelligent, articulate, wise, witty woman, who gave her best, especially to those she loved. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children: Joanie M. Dray of Stratham, NH, Dr. Robert J. Dray and wife Deborah of Centerville, VA, Mark E. Dray and wife Susan of Easton, MA, Carol E. Greise and husband Mark of Santa Barbara, CA, Mary E. O’Connor and husband Walter of Westwood, MA, Deborah Gardiner and husband Kelly of Duncan, SC, Martha J. Dray and longtime partner Sherry Sabins of Groveland, MA, and Paul J. Dray of Napa, CA. Elaine also leaves behind seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and her heart adopted son Randy Brown, all of whom brought immense joy to her life. She was recently predeceased by Paul’s wife, Colleen Dray. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Hampton, NH. Elaine will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Robert, in Calvary Cemetery, Portsmouth, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine's memory may be made to Beacon Hospice by clicking here honoring the compassionate care they provided.

Elaine Marie Dray

April 6, 1926 - October 29, 2024