Annie Mae Ray

She loved her parents Harry and Ella Rand deeply, and often shared the gratitude she had for the warmth, kindness and love they taught her. She attended Auburn schools, where she met her husband Hanson Ray. Together, they built a life in Auburn – raising their children, both active in the community, eventually building their beautiful home in West Auburn surrounded by their apple orchard.

After Hanson’s passing, Annie became an active volunteer with Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, something that brought her great joy. She also spent time travelling with friends, attending church at Court Street Baptist, crafting, and sewing. There were times her calendar was so full her children and grandchildren would need to ‘pencil in’ a visit. It was a time of great joy for her.

What she enjoyed most, however, was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. For many, Annie was a soft place to land, and shared her wisdom softly (most of the time). She was quick-witted and delightfully sarcastic. When it came to the big things in life, she wasn’t easily bothered, she believed that things had a way of working themselves out and shared that advice generously. She was easily bothered when things were out of place in her home and she shared that freely, as well. Annie was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and would often say “I hope they know how much I love them all”.

Annie was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Hanson Ray, her son Hanson Ray, her parents Harry and Ella Rand and her brother, Walter Rand.

She is survived by her children, Ronald Ray of Oquossoc Center, Karen Burt and her husband Wayne of Sabattus, and daughter-in-law Penny of Litchfield. She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren – Ronald’s children: Spring, Michael, Bart, and Bethany and her husband Evan and Ronald’s grandchildren: Christian, Lilly, Elizabeth, Hannah and Reese. Karen’s children: Melissa Ayer and her husband Jason, Kelly and her husband Bill and Karen’s grandchildren: Garrison, Daulton, Brayden, and Allyana. Hanson’s children: Shelly and her husband Foster, Kirk and his wife Katie, Toby and Kristina, Craig and his wife Brianna and Jason and his wife Joy and Hanson’s grandchildren: Sarah, Tyler, Tate, Elijah, Mackenzie, Emma, Sam, Remy, Evan, and Kaitlyn.

Annie’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all who ensured that her final months were exactly as she wanted. Thank you, First Light Homecare – her most frequent caregivers, Tanya, Tracy, Morgan, Jennifer and especially Lisa and Irma. Special thanks to Androscoggin Homecare and Hospice – Erica, Karen and Bernadetta and the hospice team, especially Nikki. We’d also like to thank Dr. Karen Saylor who made her final months as enjoyable as possible.

A celebration of Annie’s life will be held at Court Street Baptist Church at 11am on Monday, June 13th with a reception to follow. A private funeral service for the family will follow.

Gifts of remembrance in lieu of flowers may be made to The Hospice House of Androscoggin Homecare + Hospice ATTN: Development Office 15 Strawberry Avenue Lewiston, Maine 04240.

Arrangements are with The Fortin Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com