Charlotte (McAtee) Gray Obituary (1937

PLYMOUTH - Charlotte Ann (McAtee) Gray passed away on the morning of February 27, 2016 after a long illness. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final days. Charlotte was born January 29, 1937 in Dixmont. She was the daughter of Alexander and Augusta (Straight) McAtee, and attended schools in Plymouth and Newport. Her father trained and drove harness horses, and in her younger years Charlotte was often found at harness racing tracks throughout Maine, either betting on her father's horses or helping him out in the paddocks. She married Ralph Gray in 1956. Like a number of Mainers at that time, Charlotte and Ralph lived in Connecticut for a few years with their two daughters before returning to Plymouth. That's where their son was born, and where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Charlotte worked in area woolen mills and shoe shops for many years, before her husband's health forced her into early retirement to become his full-time caregiver. She and Ralph were active in the American Legion, and Charlotte was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Plymouth Grange. Charlotte was known for her quirky sense of humor - often at the expense of the younger children who would slink away in embarrassment. Only as they got older did they see her humor and some even adopted it! Right to the end she left her family with a good story to be told for years to come. Along with her sense of humor, Charlotte had a love for adventure and fun. She loved country music and was always ready to dance. She was the first in her family to show her children and grandchildren a love of motorcycles and dirt bikes. She loved the outdoors - hunting, fishing, walking or just feeding and listening to the birds. She had an uncanny ability to remember everyone's birthdays, numbers, and the nicknames of her younger school mates after many years. She is survived by sister Shirley Dunivan and husband Berl of Plymouth; her children Toni Pinkham of Orono, Donna Carrigan and husband Don of Walpole, son David and wife Michelle of Plymouth; and a special "son" Bradley Stewart of Lagrange. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Charlotte was predeceased by her wonderful husband of 53 years, her parents and brother Bernard "Sonny" McAtee. Friends may call from 5 - 7 PM Thursday, March 3rd, at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport. Rev. Bob Emrich will have a brief time of remembrance and family will share a few memories of Charlotte at 6 P.M. Graveside committal services will be held in the spring at Sawyer Cemetery, Plymouth. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 383 U. S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.