Eleanor (Faye) Gray, 79 passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on March 15, 2017 at her home in Boothbay Harbor. She was born in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, June 22, 1937 and while having traveled extensively with her husband during his time in the Air Force, she never thought of any place other than Boothbay Harbor as her home. Her parents were Louis and Frances (odlum) Burnham Sr., of Boothbay Harbor. She and her husband Merlin (Cush )were married in September of 1955, leaving “The Harbor” soon after, and spending time in the Midwest, the West, and in Spain during Merlin’s service in the Air Force. She felt that taking care of her husband and children, and organizing frequent moves, was all the work she ever needed. Once Merlin retired, Boothbay Harbor beckoned again until the winters became too much. They then decided to give Florida a try. Stuart and Port St. Lucie, became home and golf became one of Faye’s passions. She enjoyed playing in and organizing golf tournaments for the Savannah Club Golf Association. One of her proudest moments was when she got a hole in one and received her Hole in One trophy from the Ladies Golf League. She loved games and puzzles of all types, especially MahJongg and was known for endless lucky streaks. Faye and Cush were friends to many and always quick to engage in conversation with everyone. There was no such thing as a “quick” trip to Hannaford. Their final move was back to Boothbay Harbor in 2012. She continued playing MahJongg with new and old friends. Being a social person, the Boothbay Harbor Community Center became another important place to go in order to escape the house during the long winter days. Every Wednesday she would meet at the home of her best friend since high school Joanne (Pilman)Jones, for coffee and camaraderie with a group of women that meant a great deal to her.

Faye is survived by her husband Merlin, of 61 years, of Boothbay Harbor, ME., daughter Cathy and her husband Tim Hodgdon, of East Boothbay,ME., grandson Kyle Hodgdon of Savannah, GA., and granddaughter Audrey Hodgdon and her husband Caleb Easton of Boothbay, ME., brother Louis Burnham of Boothbay Harbor, ME, and sister Sheila Sears of Boothbay, ME., and many nieces and nephews. Faye was predeceased in death by a beloved son, Dennis A. Gray of Boothbay Harbor, ME. and Houston, TX.

Visiting hours will be Monday, March 20, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Hall's of Boothbay,975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay, ME.

A Memorial service to celebrate Faye's life will be Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 25 Industrial Park Drive, Boothbay, ME.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Boothbay Community Center, 185 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 04538 or the charity of your choice.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangement. To extend online condolences, please visit hallfuneralhomes.com