Audray McCue

We awoke to a world without Audray McCue in it today, and now the impossible task begins: putting into words the size of the hole she leaves behind. Audray passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025.
Born on February 26, 1936, to the late William and Helen Hector, she grew up in Bristol. Audray spelled her name "wrong" her whole life because that's the way the nuns in kindergarten taught her. Having complete faith in them, as she did in most things, she simply carried it with her forever. After meeting her husband, James McCue, at a Young Democrats dance, she moved to West Hartford, where they raised five very tall children and shared 62 years of marriage. Predeceased by Jim, she never had a more loyal or devoted partner.
Audray's cooking was an adventure. One that built character, strong stomachs, and a deep family appreciation for ketchup. Despite this, Audray managed to raise five thriving children: Kitty McCue (Don Kniss) of CT; Jim McCue (Bernadette) of NH; Mike McCue (Pam) of RI; John McCue of New Brunswick, Canada; and Helen DiMarzio (Dean) of MA. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren, Jesse Kleis (Alice), Michael, Kevin, William, and Kathleen McCue. She adored her great-granddaughters, Violette and Olive Kleis. Her many nieces, nephews, and cousins were loved and cherished beyond measure.
After fulfilling her majorette duties, she graduated from Bristol High School in 1954 and began her career at what she fondly called the "University of Aetna", working as a typist in marketing and occasionally modeling - she was 5'11" and beautiful. Later, she served as a West Hartford school crossing guard. She then went on to St. Francis Hospital, where she spent 23 years greeting people at the information desk and as a unit secretary on the pediatric floor, where she was a whiz at soothing both babies and doctors. At home, she held the honorary title of "family lawyer," known for running interference between Dad and their five exuberant kids.
In the 60s and 70s she volunteered widely in the West Hartford schools, including serving as PTA president. Ironically, she helped to write a cookbook as a fundraiser. She attended every concert, ballgame, meet, and recital her kids and grandkids ever had, always cheering the loudest. Literally so loud, you could pick her cheering out of a crowded gym.
Above all, Audray adored her sisters "The Fab 5": Maureen, Sharon, and her predeceased sisters Judith and Holly. Whenever the sisters gathered, laughter and singing followed. On their yearly sister vacations, they drank coffee, read the newspaper out loud to each other, and tirelessly searched for the best lobster roll in New England.
A proud member of a large Irish Catholic family, Audray's heritage and faith were central to her life. She loved a parade, dancing, and to root loudly for UConn basketball. She was an avid reader and history enthusiast who faithfully rooted for the underdog.
With her sharp wit, radiant smile, and generous heart, Audray made friends wherever she went. No amount of time with her would ever have been enough, but she left us with more memories and laughs than we could ever count. She's gone to a better place now, one where the laundry folds itself, the coffee is always hot, and the laughter never ends.
Calling hours will be Monday, December 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. An 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com