Sister Mary Andrew Ray

1935 - 2025

Sister Mary Andrew Ray, a beloved member of the Sisters of Mercy and devoted educator, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her community, on February 8, 2025. Born at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte NC named Hazel Rita Ray, on January 30, 1935, Sister Mary Andrew was the youngest of four children to Frederick C. Ray, originally from Waycross, Georgia, and Helen Kidd Ray of Charlotte. The Ray family was also one of the founding members of St. Patrick Catholic Church (now St. Patrick's Cathedral).

A dedicated student and spirited teenager, she attended St. Patrick's Catholic School, formerly known as Donahue School, where her love for learning and passion for helping others first blossomed. After many hints from several Sisters of Mercy, Sister Mary Andrew entered the Order in 1952, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey of service and education.

Sister Mary Andrew earned her BA degree in Social Studies from Sacred Heart College/Belmont Abbey College. With an unwavering commitment to education, she played a pivotal role in implementing English as a Second Language program while ministering at Sacred Heart College. Her dedication to teaching ELS students led her to pursue a master's degree in English as a Second Language at Saint Michael's College in Vermont.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sister Mary Andrew touched countless lives as she taught at various Catholic schools within the North Carolina, including St. Mary's in Wilmington, Saint Michael's in Gastonia, Assumption in Charlotte, St. Gabriel's, and St. Patrick's to list a few. Sister also served at the former military academy in Belmont, North Carolina, which was run by the Sisters of Mercy.

An active and dedicated member of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Mary Andrew held the position of Secretary General and worked as the Director of Special Services at Sacred Heart College. One of her greatest passions was serving as the assistant archivist at Sacred Heart Convent, where she worked tirelessly to preserve the stories and legacies of the sisters.

As she embraced her illness in her final years, Sister Mary Andrew remained a beacon of hope and strength, inspiring all who knew her with her motto, "Jesus, I trust in You." Her unwavering faith and compassion shone brightly through her service to the community, and she will be remembered as a true embodiment of mercy and love.

Sister Mary Andrew is survived by her devoted cousins, nephews, nieces, and her beloved sisters within the Sisters of Mercy community.

Services will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Sacred Heart Convent (Cardinal Gibbons Chapel) 500 Sacred Heart Circle Belmont, NC 28012 with viewing from 10AM - 11:00 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow.

Interment will take place at Belmont Abbey Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either the Sisters of Mercy at 101 Mercy Drive Belmont, NC 28012 or The Parkinson Foundation.

Sister Mary Andrew Ray's spirit of service and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. May she rest in peace.

You may view the service via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BVPujWQo7/

McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Ray family and the Sisters of Mercy. A guest registry for sharing prayerful thoughts and heartfelt condolences is available online at www.mcleanfuneral.com.