Helen A. Gray ... enjoyed crafting; at 81

ROCHESTER - Helen A. Gray, 81, passed away with her family by her side, Thursday March 5, 2026, at Wentworth Douglass Hospital following a period of failing health.

Born June 1, 1944, in Rochester, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Arlene (Berry) Gray. Helen grew up both in New Hampshire and Maine, but Rochester is where she always considered home. Helen took pride in her work as a purchaser in the shoe industry for 20 years.

Helen found joy in every little thing: the one constant joy throughout her entire life was spending time with her loved ones. As a child, she would go on drives with her family every Sunday, exploring New England and having picnics. They would drive in the mountains, down dirt roads, but York Beach was a place she was very fond of. Sometimes, she would go camping with her sister and extended family.

The devotion of family continued when she welcomed her son into her life. Helen would take him to Fun Spot, the movies, and on yearly trips. She took him camping and continued the tradition of long drives and Sunday meals as a whole family. Helen even grew to love football by watching her son and grandsons play, it would be rare not to catch her in the stands.

As Helen's family grew, so did her joys in life: from talking to her daughter-in-law every day for over 35 years, driving her grandchildren in her beloved minivan, taking them shoe shopping annually, to playing card games with her entire family. She loved celebrating family events, going out to eat whenever possible, and she enjoyed conversations over coffee.

Throughout her entire life, Helen had a hand for crafting. She practiced many forms of needlework, scrapbooking, making gifts for people, and sharing those experiences with her granddaughter. In her later years, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles with her sister. Helen was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved. She lit the world up with her infectious smile and would find a reason to laugh, even in the tough moments. But above all else: she was a devoted mom and grammie.

Members of her family include her son Joseph Gray and wife Janet of Farmington, NH; her three grandchildren Andrew Roland Gray and wife Courtney, Jenny Gray and Tristan Gray, her sister Marie Tarlton, and her extended family: everyone who she truly loved and adored.