HOULTON – Laura Jane “Tom” Pray 95, died quietly the morning of July 2, 2009, surrounded by family at a Bangor hospital. She was born Feb. 8, 1914, in Hodgdon, the last of eight children to Alvin and Jane (Dunn) Benson. Mrs. Pray was a graduate of Hodgdon High School, where she was an excellent basketball player and enjoyed other sports. She was an active member of Military Street Baptist Church, a member of Ladies Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union and a member of Town & Country Senior Citizens. Mrs. Pray was employed by Sincock Store and later employed by JC Penney until she retired at age 79. At one point, she was recognized as the oldest employee at JC Penney Corp. Mrs. Pray loved to walk and knew all of town by walking it. She was a strong spirited woman who strived to live independently to the end of her days. She will be missed by her family and community. Mrs. Pray is survived by her son, Robert Pray and his wife, Sharon, of North Fort Myers, Fla.; daughters, Judith Pray of South Portland, Peggy Mahar of Hampden, and Jeanette Dane and her husband, Timothy, of Bangor; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Morris Pray, in 1972; and her seven siblings. Friends may call 10-11:30 a.m. Monday at Dunn Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held noon at Upper Smyrna Cemetery with the Rev. Randall Burns officiating. Gifts may be made in Mrs. Pray’s memory to Living Waters Campground, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.
LAURA J. PRAY
