Catherine E. (Mayette) Wray

December 8, 1923 - December 3, 2017

Catherine (Kay) Wray was the first child of Mary Ellen (Rigney) and Leo J. Mayette, born in Weehawken, NJ., December 8th, 1923. Shortly after her birth, her parents moved to the North Country, settling in Plattsburgh, NY. Kay graduated from PHS in 1942. During her high school years she met the man who was to become her husband, father of their eight children, and the love of her life, Clayton R. Wray. She and Clayt were married January 19th, 1944 at St. John’s Church in Plattsburgh. The heart of her life was her family. She spent years cooking, cleaning, doing untold loads of laundry, taking care of a house, husband, and eight children. It was a job that demanded 24 / 7, with no sick days, vacations, and very little salary. Her reward was watching the successes of her children, and while she suffered their disappointments, she beamed with their accomplishments. It was only as adults that we (her children) realized the sacrifices she made so that we could be successful. At the age of 62, Kay and Clayt retired, traveling extensively throughout the US and Canada. They eventually found a spot that afforded them over 300 days of sunshine, and settled as “snowbirds” in Yuma, AZ. for 30 years. Kay became an avid pinoccle and poker player. She developed a fondness for slot machines, and made a weekly trip to local casinos. But ultimately it was the simple things that she treasured...a good meal,a glass of wine, visits with her adult children and grandchildren, a slow dance with her “fella”. Catherine is survived by seven children: Nancy Zahn, Clifton Park, NY, Patricia Atkinson, Plattsburgh, NY, C.Robert Wray, Plattsburgh, NY, John S. (Jill) Wray, Queensbury, NY, Theresa Wray, Plattsburgh, NY, Thomas A. Wray, Portland, OR, Michael, J. Wray, Salt Lake City, UT. In addition Kay leaves 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews Catherine was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Millie Mayette, Mary Ellen”Petey” Martineau, Eleanor Tripp, and Leo (Butch) Mayette Jr., her beloved son, William C. Wray, and her husband of 72 years, Clayton R. Wray. She will be mourned and missed and remembered. At her direction, there will be no calling hours. A mass of remembrance and burial will take place at the convenience of the family.