Phyllis M. Ray, 91, of Newcastle, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 7. The youngest daughter of Frank and Gertrude (Cotter) McFarland, she was born in Damariscotta on April 12, 1922 and grew up in Christmas Cove, South Bristol.
She married Lawrence Ray and they moved to Newcastle, where they built their home. She was the kindest and most gentle person anyone could ask for. She loved her family and grandchildren, and was especially proud of all of her great-grandchildren who brought her great joy.
Phyllis worked at Bath Iron Works while her husband served during WWII, and later at the First National Grocery Store and at Ethel’s Dress Shop in Damariscotta. She loved knitting and hooking rugs, and designed many of her own patterns, which she took great pride in. She later ran her own gift shop, the Bizzy Bee, in a shop that they built next to her home.
She loved gardening, both vegetables and flowers. Along with her husband, she grew tuberous begonias and sold them in the gift shop. People would come for miles to get them every year. After her husband’s retirement, she enjoyed many winters in Florida, meeting up with friends and riding her bicycle around the park.
In recent years, she was able to spend time each summer in a cottage next to the house that her father built in Christmas Cove, and enjoyed looking at the ocean and seeing things that she grew up with.
She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Ray; grandson, Michael Lawrence Ray; brothers, Winthrop McFarland, Addison McFarland and Frank Jr. (Pete) McFarland; and sisters, Hazel Lunt, Maybelle Little, and Pauline Kelsey.
She is survived by her son, Malcolm Lawrence Ray and wife Carol; granddaughter, Joan Ray and husband Dieter Weber, and son Alex Ray-Weber; great-grandchildren, and Michael’s children, Tricia and Wyatt Ray; grandson, Christopher Ray; granddaughter, Elizabeth Bridges and her children Matthew Holmes, Benjamin Holmes and Jessika Bridges.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
