Richmond-Frances Lorraine Cray, 86, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 29, 2026.
She was born on February 2, 1940 in Dresden the daughter of Ernest and Melva Bixby James.
Frances was raised on the family farms in the towns of Dresden and Wiscasset and attended local schools.
She had very fond memories of life as a young girl, growing up on the farms and being surrounded by 9 siblings.
Frances married Albert M. Cray Sr., on Sept. 1, 1960, settling in the town of Richmond and raising two son's Albert Jr., and Chad.
She was employed by the Auerbach Shoe Company of Brunswick and Clarostat Manufacturing in Richmond. She also worked in the agricultural fields near Merrymeeting Bay in Bowdoinham.
Frances stopped working outside the home in the mid 70's and focused on what was truly the most important part of her life, her family. Frances' love and devotion for the people that she cared for defined her and brought her great happiness. Whether it was playing scrabble with her sisters, teaching writing and arithmetic lesson to one of her beloved grandchildren or sewing a patch on a pair of jeans for one of her boy's, Frances had a style and grace that left no doubt of her feelings for you. She was simply the best.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband Albert Cray Sr., son Albert Cray jr., brothers Ed, Frank, George, Charles, Bill James, and a sister Iona Pinkham.
Frances is survived by a son Chad Cray, brother Kevin James, sisters Valerie Hinkley and Mamie Chapman, grandchildren Jason, Ryan, Katie, Taylor, Ashley, Payton, great grandchildren Julian, Jaxon, Jameson, Noelle, MacKenzie and Albert III.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.