Esther 'Nana' Kelley Gray Obituary (1930

AUGUSTA--- Esther ‘Nana’ Kelley Gray, 84, died Monday, July 27 surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Esther was born on December 1, 1930 to Stanley and Rosalina (Wakefield) Kelley. She was raised in Mapleton by Carroll and Dorothy Coffin. Esther graduated from Farmington State Teacher’s College with a B.S. in Home Economics. It was there that she met the love of her life, Errol “Bud” Gray. They married in 1953 and moved to Augusta. Esther taught briefly at Erskine Academy prior to raising her two daughters. Later she returned to her teaching career at Cony High School, retiring in 1988. Esther had many interests and hobbies throughout her life. She could be found fishing with Bud in Rangeley, going on day trips to the ocean, hunting for treasures with her daughter at antique auctions, refinishing furniture, doing meticulous handwork to sell at craft shows, and most importantly, spending Saturdays with all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. It became a family ritual to visit Nana and Grampa’s house every Saturday. Esther valued family above everything else in her life. She was a selfless, generous, and loving mother and grandmother. Even though her loved ones’ hearts are broken by her loss, they feel so blessed to have had her in their lives for so long. Esther was predeceased by her parents, Carroll and Dorothy Coffin, and her beloved husband, Bud. She is survived by a sister, Ella Crocker of Readfield, her two daughters, Kathryn Atty and husband Steve of Cheltenham, England, and Diane Snell and fianc Brian Plourde of Dresden. Esther is also survived by her three grandchildren; Jennifer Gledhill and husband, Joshua of China, Rick Tatarcyk of Hallowell, and Matthew Snell and his partner, Ashley Robinson, of Westborough, Massachusetts. Also surviving are her three great grandchildren, Addison, Zachary, and Nathaniel Gledhill of China. At Esther’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A private graveside service will be held. The family would like to thank the staff at Beacon Hospice for their tremendous care of Esther and a special thank you to Paula Esposito for her loving care during this difficult time. Memorial donations may be made in Esther’s name to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, Maine 04086. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta. Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com