Flora Manchester Gray, 87, of East Neck Road, Nobleboro, died May 27, 2014 at her summer home in East Boothbay.

She was born in Northeast Harbor on July 5, 1926, a daughter of Russell and Mona Gordon Manchester. She graduated from Gilman High School and Farmington State Teachers College.

Upon graduation, Flora taught home economics in Greenville, Presque Isle and Bath. She also worked for 17 years as a home economist for the Maine Dairy Council, based in Augusta.

She was an active member of the Old Bristol Garden Club, the Damariscotta/Newcastle Womens’ Club, the Clamshell Quilters and the Nobleboro Historical Society. She also belonged to the Damariscotta River Association, Pemaquid Watershed Association, the Women’s Legislative Council of Maine, the Coastal Maine Botanical Society, Miles Hospital League and the Maine State Teachers Association. She was also a long-time volunteer at Miles Memorial Hospital.

She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Gray; and a brother, R. Gordon Manchester.  

Survivors include a son, John Dole Gray and his wife Penny of Raleigh, North Carolina; two stepdaughters, Janice Ayer and Lorna Veilleux of Gardiner; two brothers, Clifford Manchester of Waterville, and Frank Manchester of Diamond Head, Mississippi; and one sister, Elizabeth Manchester Johnston of Hancock; two precious grandsons, Stephen Manchester Gray and John Michael Gray; four stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of her life will be held later this month at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, ME 04086 or the Miles and St. Andrews Home Health and Hospice, c/o Development Office, 25 Miles Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME. Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.stronghancock.com.