Eleanor (Faye) Gray, 79, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on March 15, 2017, at her home in Boothbay Harbor. She was born in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, June 22, 1937, and while having traveled extensively with her husband during his time in the Air Force, she never thought of any place other than Boothbay Harbor as her home. Her parents were Louis and Frances (Odlum) Burnham Sr. of Boothbay Harbor.

She and her husband Merlin (Cush) were married in September of 1955, leaving “The Harbor” soon after, and spending time in the Midwest, the West, and in Spain during Merlin’s service in the Air Force. She felt that taking care of her husband and children, and organizing frequent moves, was all the work she ever needed. Once Merlin retired, Boothbay Harbor beckoned again until the winters became too much. They then decided to give Florida a try. Stuart and Port St. Lucie, became home and golf became one of Faye’s passions. She enjoyed playing in and organizing golf tournaments for the Savannah Club Golf Association. One of her proudest moments was when she got a hole in one and received her Hole in One trophy from the Ladies Golf League. She loved games and puzzles of all types, especially Mah Jongg and was known for her endless lucky streaks.

Faye and Cush were friends to many and always quick to engage in conversation with everyone. There was no such thing as a “quick” trip to Hannaford. Their final move was back to Boothbay Harbor in 2012. She continued playing Mah Jongg with new and old friends. Being a social person, the Boothbay Harbor Community Center  became another important place to go in order to escape the house during the long winter days. Every Wednesday she would meet at the home of her best friend since high school Joanne (Pilman) Jones, for coffee and camaraderie with a group of women that meant a great deal to her.

Faye is survived by her husband, Merlin of 61 years of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; daughter, Cathy and her husband Tim Hodgdon of East Boothbay, Maine;  grandson, Kyle Hodgdon of Savannah, Georgia; and granddaughter, Audrey Hodgdon and her husband Caleb Easton of Boothbay, Maine;  brother, Louis Burnham of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; and sister, Sheila Sears of Boothbay, Maine;  and many nieces and nephews.

Faye was predeceased by a beloved son, Dennis A. Gray of Boothbay Harbor, Maine and Houston, Texas.

Visiting hours will be on Monday, March 20 from 5-7 p.m.. at Hall's of Boothbay, Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 21 at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post, Industrial Park Drive, Boothbay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Community Center or the charity of your choice.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangement. To extend online condolences, please visit hallfuneralhomes.com.