Elaine Regan Dray

1932 - 2022

Elaine Regan Dray

East Longmeadow, MA — Elaine Regan Dray passed away on August 2, 2022 in East Longmeadow, MA, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 90.

Elaine was born in Winthrop, MA on April 23, 1932 to Mary F. and Thomas L. Regan.

She graduated from Brown University in 1953, with a B.A. in American Civilization.

She met her future husband Alfred Dray on Nantucket in 1953 while both were working summer jobs. They were married on February 19, 1955, in Winthrop.

Al and Elaine settled in Deerfield following their marriage. Al worked as art director for the newly-formed Channing Bete Company, then based in Greenfield, later going on to establish Dray Publications in Deerfield.

After the youngest of their five children entered first grade, Elaine enrolled at Western New England College of Law. She received her J.D. in 1979 and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar that same year.

Elaine had a lifelong love of the ocean. She and Al often returned to Nantucket with their children for vacations. She also enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and achieved the distinction of Life Master with The American Contract Bridge League.

Elaine was known to her family and friends as Puff, a nickname bestowed on her at the age of 3, based on her reciting the poem, "There Once Was A Puffin", for a family talent show.

She is survived by her husband Alfred, daughters Diane (Michael) and Jane, sons Deane (Nancy) and Christopher (Vicki), eight grandchildren Hunter, Hailey, Perri, Thomas, Rene, Anna Patricia, Amalia, Zoe and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Mary F. "Sis" Murphy, brother Thomas L. Regan Jr. and daughter Julia.

Services and burial are private, under the direction of Wrisley Funeral Home in South Deerfield, MA. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday August 27, 2022 at the Deerfield Inn from 3-5 pm. Please come and share your memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to ProjectPuffin.Audubon.org.