Marlene DeGray Obituary

East Lyme- Marlene Joan Goss DeGray was born on April 11, 1935, and passed on December 29, 2020. She met William K. DeGray while square dancing and they married on May 18, 1957. They celebrated 52 years of marriage before his passing.

Her life’s work was being the greatest stay-at-home mom in history, and she will be forever missed by her children and their spouses: William & Linda DeGray, Rosemary & Al Littlefield, Ann & David Mortimer; her grandchildren: Kym & Miles Worthington, Kurtis Mortimer, Kris & Tara Mortimer, Kasey Mortimer & Will Carver, Alex DeGray, Lucy & Ellen Littlefield; her great-grandchildren: Ainsley, Evelyn, Kristoffer, Audrey; and nieces & nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was a 1953 graduate of OLHS where she played field hockey, softball, and basketball. She also belonged to many clubs and committees, and earned herself the "Most Talkative" superlative. Marlene had a PhD (projects half done) in knitting, and enjoyed crafting and bowling. She was a faithful member of Nehantic Chapter #102, and served as Worthy Matron for several terms. She served as Grand Ruth for the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of Flanders Baptist Community Church and its Community Circle.

Special thanks to the incredible staffs at Crescent Point and Bride Brook for their loving care. These places became her home, and the staff and residents became a part of our family. In addition, to her grandson, Miles, who comforted her in her final moments.

Burial will be private, with a celebration of her life to be held in the early summer. Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607 or log onto shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/en/donate or Flanders Baptist and Community Church, 138 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333.To leave the family an online condolence please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com.