Gladys Ray

Gladys Ray (nee Chapo) “Tootsie”, age 87, of the Niagara Falls, formerly of Tonawanda died at Niagara Hospice, Inc. on Thursday, August 7, 2008. A member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, she is the wife of the late Thomas G. Ray who died in 1991. Born in Sharples, West Virginia, where her parents owned a boarding house, she earned the nickname “Tootise” because she would spend the nickels she won playing checkers on a new candy - Tootise Roll. A resident of the Tonawanda’s for 80 years, she treasured her memories of growing up during the Great Depression in Gastown, a childhood she said she “wouldn’t trade for a million dollars”. Loving mother of Elizabeth “Betty Ann” (Norman) Szewczyk of North Tonawanda, Thomas R. Ray and Maryann Cline both of Niagara Falls. Adored grandmother of Jennifer Szewczyk and Christina Cameron, dearest great-grandmother of Amanda and Jessica Cameron, Santana Szewczyk and Cody Grant. Soon to be great-great-grandmother of Christopher Cameron. Loved and esteemed Aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Friends received by the family on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Brunner Funeral Home (692-3841), 156 Robinson Street, North Tonawanda where services will be held on Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Jerre W. Feagin, officiating. Interment will follow at Elmlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, Inc.