Anne Bray's Obituary
Anne Demers Bray, 89 of Tacoma, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2018. She was born May 26, 1929 to Arthur
and Margrete Demers. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Donald Bray. A resident of Tacoma
all of her life, she attended Larchmont Elementary, Parkland School and graduated from Lincoln High School in
1947. She earned her degree in teaching at Pacific Lutheran University in 1951. She went on to teach at Rogers,
Gault, Lowell and Mary Lyon, retiring from Tacoma Public Schools in 1977 after 25 years of teaching. She taught
and inspired countless young people and touched many lives throughout her career.
Her and her husband traveled to the Southwest every winter in their motor home; essentially becoming Snowbirds.
As soon as they would return home, she would plant her garden and begin the seasonal duties of caring for a large,
park-like yard. Her passion was gardening. She volunteered at the Point Defiance / Metro Parks Green Houses for
20 years; receiving an award for her efforts.
She was a member of The New Horizons Band for many years playing the French Horn. She played several years in
the Champions Centre Church production of “Scrooge”. Music was a huge part of her life; if she wasn’t playing it,
she was listening to it.
She loved to sew and created clothing and quilts for family and friends. She had a creative spirit which came
through in her gardening and other activities. Always busy, never bored; she had a positive and upbeat personality.
She will be greatly missed and live in our hearts everyday until we see her again.
Survivors include a sister, Margrete Bombardier of Olympia; sons David Bray (Cheryl) and Edward Bray; daughter
Janette Stiles (Joseph) all of Tacoma. Grandchildren Jamie Bray and Nicholas Bray (Tania) of Tacoma, Stacey
Bray of Henderson, NV; Kandis Bray of Sisters, OR and Jordan Bray of Tacoma. Great-grandchildren Makayla,
Bradley and Matthew Browning of Henderson, NV; Greenlie and Cooper Bray of Tacoma.
She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to Elitecare Adult Family Home in Tacoma.
Celebrate Anne’s life with us at Mountain View Cemetery, Dec. 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM
What’s your fondest memory of Anne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anne?
Share a story where Anne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anne you’ll never forget.
How did Anne make you smile?
