Helen Marie Raye

Vanceboro – Helen Marie Raye, 79, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at a Bangor hospital with her family by her side. Helen was born in McAdam, NB on May 19, 1936, daughter of the late Earl and Melva (Gardner) Anderson. On April 21, 1955, she married her love, Merle Raye in Fredericton, NB. Helen operated a ceramic shop from her home where she taught classes and made lasting friendships. She was a member of Voice of Pentecost Church in McAdam, NB, and enjoyed sewing, knitting, and in later years listening to her favorite music. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with family. This year Helen and Merle proudly celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family members and close friends attending.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and Chester Anderson; and two sisters, Ethel Vail and infant sister Della. Surviving are her loving husband, Merle Raye of Vanceboro; three children, Don Raye and Joanne of St. Stephen, NB, Joy Leech and husband Charles of McAdam, NB, and Cindy Pickering and husband Thomas of Lee; seven grandchildren, Stephen, David, Nathan, Patrick, Dustin, Shelby, and Drew; five beloved great-grandchildren, William, Kenna, Rivers, Colt, and Bates; a sister, Verna Arsenault; two brothers, Marvin Anderson and wife Shirley of McAdam, NB, and Clarence Anderson of St. Stephen, NB; sister-in-law Harriett Garrett of Andersonville, NB; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. A celebration of Helen’s life will be held in the funeral home 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21. Burial will follow in Vanceboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.