Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
CATHERINE CRAY Obituary
Cathy was born on February 26, 1960, in Newton, MA, the daughter of the late Paul Leo Flynn, Sr. and Mary (Kenney) Fitzsimmons. Cathy was raised and educated in Newton, later receiving her Associate's degree at Colby-Sawyer College, Bachelor's degree at Merrimack College, and Master's degree at Rivier University as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Cathy started her life's work of helping adolescents at the Webster House in Manchester, NH had worked as a clinical therapist for Hollis-Brookline High School, Hollis, NH and more recently at St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH.
Cathy was married to her best friend and loving husband, Jerry Cray, for 33 years, and they made their home in Amherst, NH. Their greatest passion and joy in life was raising their three boys, Ryan, Colin, and Brendan. Cathy was an avid runner, health enthusiast, and a loved member of the community.
She was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Catherine Flynn; sister, Lisa Flynn, and her parents, Paul Leo Flynn, Sr. and Mary (Kenney) Fitzsimmons.
Family members include her husband of 33 years, Gerald E. "Jerry" Cray of Amherst, NH; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ryan and Audrey Cray of Scituate, MA, Colin and Caroline Cray of Boston, MA, and Brendan Cray of Amherst, NH; a granddaughter, Heidi Catherine Cray of Scituate, MA; two brothers, Paul Flynn, Jr. of Boston, MA, Ned Flynn of Wenham, MA; a sister, Deirdre Flynn-Hewett of Boston, MA; five nieces, Haley Hewett, Kelsey Hewett, Courtney Stenstrom, Catherine Solinger, and Elizabeth Flynn; and a nephew, Andrew Flynn; stepmother, Susan Flynn.
Memorial Visiting Hours are on Wednesday, July 21st, from 4:00-7:00pm, in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, MILFORD, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, at 11:00am, in St. Patrick's Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy's memory may be made to either the Webster House at 135 Webster Street, Manchester, NH 03104 or websterhousenh.org/ the Community Action for Safe Teens (CAST) of the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, www.svbgc.org/progams/c-a-s-t/
Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit:
www.smith-heald.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for CATHERINE CRAY
Stacey (Green) Dils
July 24, 2021
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Cathy.
She was my dear friend. We met in College, roomed together and spent summers on the cape.
My heart is so heavy. My peace be with Jerry and the family.
The DeWaele Family
July 22, 2021
The DeWaele Family sends their deepest condolences to Jerry, Ryan, Colin and Brendan on the loss of your dear wife and mother. As the parents of classmates of Ryan and Colin, we had the pleasure of knowing Cathy who was the host to "Camp Cray" for the kids. We remember her always as being positive and cheerful, spreading her love for her family and community everywhere she went along with that great sense of humor. Cathy was truly the epitome of a "life well lived."
Scott and Jeanne Simonson
July 21, 2021
So so sorry for your loss. We met the wonderful Catherine years ago when we visited ours sons football games at assumption. What a lovely lady and lovely spirit. We had the pleasure of seeing her lovely son Colin and his wife a week ago as he was a groomsman in my sons wedding. What a wonderful family. And the angel Catherine waited for her son to be in my sons wedding and celebrate with his college buddies before passing over to the lord. She was truly an Angel. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the family through this difficult time
Stephanie Rouillard
July 20, 2021
Cathy is the reason I´m pursing a career in Mental Health Counseling. She helped me get through the crucial years of my adolescence. My only hope is I can help others as she helped me. May her family find comfort in knowing she lived a fulfilling and impactful life.
Candice Hancock
July 20, 2021
Cathy often came into the Foods room at HB to seek out students who would be having a tough time and made a point of taking the student through the halls to walk and talk. Students flocked to her to seek her assistance and kids knew they were safe with Cathy. She fulfilled her intent to take good care of students daily. Cathy lives in our hearts and I will make sure to give as she did. Cathy lived what she believed. Thank you for being a perfect example for all <3
Christine Heaton
July 19, 2021
Cathy, you were an amazing colleague and wonderful lady. We all learned and benefitted from your patience and kindness. Thank you for sharing so many wonderdul moments with others in what has been far too short a time in life. I'll miss you.
Peggy and Ronnie Gilliam
July 18, 2021
Ryan, so sorry to hear of your momma´s passing. May the Lord lift any burden your heart may carry and may He give you peace and comfort in the days to come. Much love Ronnie and Peggy
Dana Boudreau
July 17, 2021
My heart is broken for your family. Cathy was a ray of sunshine to all she encountered and made everyone feel like they were number one in her eyes. When she walked in a room she brought in such positive energy. She adored her family and was so proud of her children. I always enjoyed watching her run through our town in Amherst ! She made running look so elegant. Running 7-8 miles was nothing to her but would so kindly cheer me on for running my mile that day. She was kind and loving and will be missed by all. Our deepest condolences for the loss of your sweet Cathy! God bless you and your family and know you have an Angel watching over you everyday. With love - Dana, Bob, Blake and Caroline Boudreau
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in CATHERINE CRAY's name
Memorial Events
for CATHERINE CRAY
Jul
21
How to support CATHERINE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor CATHERINE CRAY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
