Mary Clare (King) Bray, 92, passed away peacefully on Feb. 18, 2025, in Germantown.
Mary was born on March 10, 1932, to Bessie and Volney King in Shawano. Her early years fostered a love of singing and theater for which she will always be remembered. Mary graduated from Shawano High School in 1950.
She attended Carroll College where she continued to perform, majoring in English and made lifelong friends. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Bray. They were married in 1955 and enjoyed 61 years together.
Mary was a much-beloved high school English teacher, where she shared her love of Shakespeare and Mark Twain, often acting out the scenes with her students.
After retiring from teaching, she performed with Bob, sharing the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin through school programs. Mary had a love for travel, live theater and most importantly, her family.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Mary is survived by her sisters, Micki (Joe) Thelen and Paula (Jim) Lemke. She is the proud mother of David (Wendy), Paul, and Martha Wray, and grandmother to 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all and she will be remembered for her gift of music and her generous hospitality.
In lieu of flowers, the Brays request memorial contributions be made to Carroll University for the Bray Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. Three generations attended Carroll. The Bray Family Endowed Scholarship provides two students with scholarships each year.
Gifts can be sent to the Office of Institutional Advancement at 100 N. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. Checks should be to Carroll University and “Bray Family Endowed Scholarship” noted in the memo portion of the check. Gifts may also be made online at www.carrollu.edu/give.
Mary Clare (King) Bray
