Frances Gray, a 60-year resident of Rye, died on April 3, 2017.
Born Frances Walker Pratt on July 16, 1930 in Boston, Mass., to Laurence and Frances Duncan (Weed) Pratt, she grew up in Dover, Mass. Fay, as she was known, graduated from the Winsor School in Boston in 1948 and Radcliffe College in 1952. During her childhood, she spent summers at family homes in Duxbury, Mass., and on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, where she developed a love of tennis.
After graduation, Fay married Robert T. Hennes, and they moved to Rye. After her first marriage ended in divorce, Fay married John L. Gray III in September of 1967. They were married for 50 years.
She received a Master’s degree in teaching from the College of New Rochelle, and she worked as a special education teacher. A competitive tennis player, Fay was the captain of the Manursing Island Club ladies’ tennis team for many years and was also an active platform tennis player.
The Grays were members of Christ’s Church, where they served for many years as ushers. Fay was also a member of the Altar Guild and John served as a Vestryman. They were members of Apawamis Club.
Fay loved her dogs, all standard poodles. She could be seen every day walking her dogs for miles on the local golf courses.
She will be remembered for her gentle kindness, quiet humour, and devotion to her family and many friends.
In addition to her husband John, Mrs. Gray is survived by her sister, Carolyn Marshall; her brother, Laurence O. Pratt Jr. (Jerry); her three sons: Robert Taft Hennes Jr., Duncan Pratt Hennes of Rye, and Theodore Preston Hennes II, General Manager of Coveleigh Club in Rye, and their wives Jane, Laura, and Gigi. She is also survived by two stepdaughters, Lisa Gray and Phyllis McCormick; six grandchildren: William H. Hennes, Robert T. Hennes III, Duncan (“DJ”) P. Hennes Jr., Andrew W. Hennes, Theodore (“Preston”) P. Hennes III, and Katelyn Hennes; and a great-granddaughter, Frances W. Hennes.
A memorial service will be held April 21 at 11 a.m. at Christ’s Church in Rye.
