Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

Ellen H. Bray, 87, passed away October 9, 2016 fulfilling her wish, with the help of dedicated care-givers, to be able to die peacefully at home.

Ellen was born at home in Owls Head to James and Carolyn Bray. Growing up in a fishing and farming family, she learned early on the value of an honest day’s work.

As a child Ellen attended the one-room school house at the Timber Hill in Owls Head. During high school she would usually walk the five miles from her home to school on Lincoln Street in Rockland.

As a teen Ellen worked at a local laundry, and as a sardine packer. After graduation she worked at Sylvania in Waldoboro, where she was known for her fast hands and quality work. She would use her vacation time to visit the tourist hot spots of the time, taking family and friends with her.

After 22 years of service, she left Sylvania to take care of her mother in her time of need.

After her mother passed, Ellen worked as stern-woman on her brother Maynard’s lobster boat. She also returned to employment, working at Lydon-Bricher and The Courier Gazette. She retired in 2002 to take care of her brother Maynard, and sisters Mary and Flora in their time of need.

Ellen’s great thrills in life were gardening (she loved to grow “enough for the whole village”), wood-piles, and going for a ride to see the sights with family and friends.

Ellen was known for her outspoken evangelism, dedication to family, generosity to her community, and her loving (and at times devious) smile.

Ellen was pre-deceased by her father and mother, James and Carolyn Bray, and by three brothers, Maynard, Harold and Biron Bray, and three sisters Mildred, Mary and Flora Bray.

Ellen was never married, and had no children.

In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to Area Interfaith Outreach, 70 Thomaston Street, Rockland. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.