Joan GRAY

1932 - 2014

Mary "Joan" (Tillbrook) Gray, 81, of Windsor Locks, CT, was called home to join her beloved husband and soul mate Barry Wesley Gray on Saturday, (January 4, 2014). Joan was born February 12, 1932, in Middletown, CT, the daughter of the late Ralph and Lillian (Getz) Tillbrook. The two most important things in Joan's life were her loving family and her church. Joan was a faithful member and Deaconess of the Windsor Locks Congregational Church, where she also worked as a beloved nursery school teacher. Joan's passion for teaching children was evident in the many years she spent as a Vacation Bible School teacher, a Junior Church teacher and, after retiring as a nursery school teacher, she and her late husband volunteered countless hours reading to students at North Street Elementary School. Joan always had a kind word, a warm smile, a soft hug and a kiss for everyone she met. She is survived by her three daughters, Susan Sestito of Winter Springs, Florida, Judith Coombe and her husband, James of Halifax, MA and Alyson Gray of Windsor Locks; her five grandchildren, Joel Susaya of Charlottesville, VA, Joseph Cala and his wife, Jennifer of Vernon, CT, Brianna Sestito of Winter Springs, FL, Nathaniel and Benjamin Coombe both of Halifax, MA; a great grandson, Reilly Rushforth; a brother, Ralph Tillbrook and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by her beloved son, David and her granddaughter, Olivia Coombe. A celebration of Joan's life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 10 am at the Windsor Locks Congregational Church, 8 Main St., Windsor Locks. A private burial for Joan will be held in Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI. Joan's family will receive friends on Friday, January 10, 2014, from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring St., Windsor Locks. Memorial donations in memory of Joan may be made to the Youth Challenge of CT, Inc., 15-17 May Street, Hartford, CT 06105 or to Enfield Loaves and Fishes, 28 Prospect Street, Enfield, CT 06082. For online expressions of sympathy or directions please visit www.windsorlocksfuneralhome.com