Alice Carolyn (Benford) Bray, of Jamaica Plain, Mass., died peacefully on Saturday, December 16th, 2023 after a long life of faith and service. Surrounded by her children and caregivers in her home of over forty years, she was one day away from her ninety-first birthday.
Born December 17th, 1932, in Providence R.I. to Lloyd and Doris (Knott) Benford, she graduated from Central High School in Providence, then attended The Katharine Gibbs School. She married the Reverend F. Elwood Bray in 1956. They enjoyed 44 years together and raised five children. Early in their marriage they lived in Littleton, N.H. and Fairhaven, Mass. before settling in the Boston area in 1967. After her children reached school age, Alice began a long career in the administration of the Boston Public Schools, particularly the Higginson and Fuller Elementary Schools. She officially retired in 1995, but never one to stay inactive for long, began working part-time for the Boston Association of School Administrators and Supervisors in 1998. She finally retired "for good"at the age of eighty-five.
She supported her children’s endeavors in school, music, sports, and scouts. Her activism on parents' boards led to many long and close friendships, particularly as long-time treasurer for Troop 1 West Roxbury BSA. She was an avid reader, and local librarians and booksellers loved helping her find new titles to enjoy.
Alice was a life-long Episcopalian, and was a long-time communicant of the Church of Our Saviour in Brookline. She participated in many church-sponsored functions and outreach activities.
Alice is survived by her children Janice Marks of Narragansett, R.I., Bruce Bray and his wife Mary of Westford, Thomas Bray and his wife Patty of Roslindale, Beatrice Bray of Brighton, and Jonathan Bray of Paxton; grandchildren Peter Marks and his wife Jennie, Clare Kappenman and her husband Jeremy, David, Andrea, Joseph, and Kelly Bray; and great- grandchildren Ella and Samuel Marks and Jayden and Autumn Kappenman. She is also survived by her younger siblings, Helen Benford of New York City and Al Benford of Manchester, Conn. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Elwood, and her brother George Benford of Wakefield, R.I.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 21st, at the Brady & Fallon Funeral Home 10 Tower St. (Opp. Forest Hills MBTA Station) in Jamaica Plain from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a funeral service on Friday, December 22nd, at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, Brookline at 10:00 a.m., and a reception to follow. The burial will be held at the National Cemetery in Bourne, on Wednesday Dec. 27 at 12:30 pm, where Alice will be laid to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may contribute to The Church of Our Saviour, 25 Monmouth Street, Brookline, MA 02446; Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, 815 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017; or a charity of the donor's choice.