Donna B. Gray

PITTSBURG, NH – Mrs. Donna B. Gray, 83, of Pittsburg, New Hampshire, passed away early Friday morning, September 18, 2009, at her residence with her loving family at her side. Mrs. Gray was born May 19, 1926, in Barre, Vt., a daughter of the late Edson Bumford and Viola (Schoff) Bumford. In 1950, Donna married Robert Gray of Pittsburg, and they resided there and raised their family. Beginning in 1963, she was a nurses’ aid for more than 30 years of at the Coös County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown. For her whole life, Donna’s priority was her family. She was known for her infectious laugh, and she would always sacrifice something to put her family first. Donna loved to crochet and she was a wonderful cook, known especially for her donuts and bread, and she enjoyed all types of family gatherings. She was an eternal optimist, always seeing someone’s good side and thinking the best of people. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many who will all miss her dearly. Donna was a member of the Aurora Grange #235 and the National Grange for more than 50 years, and she was a faithful member of the Farnham Memorial United Methodist Church in Pittsburg. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women’s & Men’s Group, and she was a charter member of the Pittsburg Historical Society. Mrs. Gray is survived by eight children, Cheryl Larose and husband, Paul, of Gilford, NH, Laurel Amey and husband, Roy, of Pittsburg, Lindsey Gray and wife, Ann, of Pittsburg, Holly Gray and Mike of Pittsburg, Karen Placey and husband, David, of Merrimack, NH, Pam Frizzell and husband, Wayne, of Colebrook, Arnold Gray and wife, Lucie, of Pittsburg, and Heather Gray and Chuck Caron of Pittsburg; three sisters, Jackie Flanders of Massachusetts, Phyllis Boedecker of Wisconsin, and Jill Roy of New York; a brother, Frederic Bumford of NH; eighteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her constant canine companion, Sophie. Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gray, in November of 2007; her parents, and a sister, Beverly Bumford. At her specific request, there will be no public calling hours. A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, September 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Farnham Memorial United Methodist Church in Pittsburg with the Reverend Rick Boyden officiating. A committal service will be held at the Indian Stream Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in Mrs. Gray’s memory may be made to the Farnham Memorial United Methodist Church, c/o Leslie Covell, Lake Francis Road, Pittsburg, NH 03592; or the Aurora Grange #235, c/o Eddie Evarts, Sugar Camp Acres Road, Pittsburg, NH 03592. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com.

Donna B. Gray

May 19, 1926 - September 18, 2009