Melbourne, FL — Madeline A. (Botelho) Gray, 81, formerly of Gloucester, passed away Friday, June 1, 2012, after a long battle with illness. She was the wife of the late Robert B. Gray.
Born in Gloucester on June 15, 1930, she was one of four daughters of the late Joseph and Margaret E. (Veator) Botelho. She was a graduate of the Gloucester High School.
She and Robert were married on November 4, 1951. From that point on, they were inseparable. When the opportunity arose, they purchased 14 Atlantic Road and turned it into the guest house that became “Gray Manor,” and for the next 47 years they provided a “home away from home” for many hundreds of visitors to Gloucester. Many of their guests returned year after year, with a number of them returning for over 20 years. Madeline would always do whatever she could to ensure that everyone enjoyed “New England hospitality.” To many of those guests she became a dear and very much loved friend.
Splitting their year between Gloucester and Cape Canaveral, Florida, Madeline and Robert retired to Florida in 2004. Robert’s passing in 2009 was her greatest loss. She herself fell ill in late 2009 and after a number of back surgeries had been in a long battle to recover, although eventually losing this battle. In her typical manner, she fought with everything she had until the end.
A very special person who touched many lives, Madeline will live on in their fondest memories and in their hearts. She will be dearly missed. The family’s deepest wish is that she be reunited with Robert.
She is survived by her sister, Adeline Francis of Tyler, Texas and son, Glenn A. Gray of Raleigh, NC. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Margaret Brosque and Mary Casady.
ARRANGEMENTS: After a private blessing in Florida, Madeline will be returned to Gloucester. Her funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 12th, in the Holy Family Parish, St. Ann Church at 10:30 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Monday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester, from 4 – 6 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the family lot in Calvary Cemetery. For further information and to send online condolences, please visit www.grondinfuneralservices.com.
