Marilyn Frances Bray

Marilyn Frances Bray
September 20, 1929 - February 7, 2013
Resident of Sunnyvale
Marilyn passed away peacefully at her home on February 7, surrounded by family and friends. She will be forever cherished for the grace, style and devotion with which she lived her life.
Marilyn is survived by Richard, her loving husband of 55 years, brother John Martin (Maureen) of Palo Alto; son Don (Suzanne), daughters Julie Altinger (Rick) and Maribeth Coyne (Joe) all of Los Altos, California, and son Rich (Kathy) of Bellevue, Washington; and eleven grandchildren.
Born to Leo and Mary (Harty) Martin, Marilyn grew up in the town of Fort Dodge, Iowa. From a young age, she loved singing and excelled in school. She went on to Ohio State, earning a B.A. in Recreation and becoming a lifelong Buckeye fan and bridge player. In 1954, Marilyn moved west to California, to work as a tour director for Presidential Cruise Lines and make trips all over the Pacific. Through friends, she was introduced to Dick Bray, a tall and handsome aeronautical engineer at the NASA Ames Research Center. After a short courtship, they married in February 1958.
Marilyn and Dick moved to a newly-built home in Sunnyvale, where they soon became a closely-knit family of six. Marilyn committed her Midwest sensibilities to countless community roles, among them PTA president, CCD teacher, Assistance League officer, band booster, and team mom. She was the consummate wife, mother, and grandmother - fiercely loyal, demanding yet supportive, inspirationally faithful, and a strong champion of tradition.
Marilyn loved being part of a wonderful group of close friends - whether around the bridge table, at church, in the neighborhood, or simply on the phone. She was great company, always showing genuine interest in those around her, and what was important to them.
Perhaps her greatest joys were seeing her family grow, and the time she spent with relatives and grandchildren at regular family dinners, sporting events, and vacations.
Marilyn was a model of love, commitment and grace. We are truly grateful for our time together, and the positive impact she had in our lives.
Central to Marilyn's life was her faith. She was a devoted parishioner of Church of the Resurrection in Sunnyvale for over 50 years. In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation may be made in Marilyn's name to Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.
Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 10:00a.m at Church of the Resurrection, 725 Cascade Drive, Sunnyvale, CA. Mass will be immediately followed by a reception and lunch nearby.