Ray Van Gelder died peacefully in her home on
November 12th, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She was 94 years
old.
Born Ray Gold in New York City on September 17, 1919
to Harry and Rose Gold, she grew up the youngest of 4 siblings. Ray and
her husband Jack recently celebrated 70 years of their beautiful marriage on
July 28, 2013. They met coincidentally when they both applied and were hired
for for the same drafting job advertised in the New York Times. Married after
only eight weeks of knowing each other, their only time apart during their
married life was the 22 months that Jack served overseas during WWII.
Ray's myriad talents were a constant source of
amazement to her family and wide circle of friends. Trained in Industrial
Design, her earliest professions were textile design and marine drafting. She
and Jack owned a chicken farm in New City, NY for 9 years before moving to New
England. In Conway, Massachusetts, the town they called home for 40 years, Ray
impressed those who knew her with her abilities in the visual arts, her gardens
that stopped traffic, her highly respected antique business and her skills as
an antique show manager. With Jack she shared a passion for travel and
together they touched lives and made friends around the globe. A lively
conversationalist with a wry sense of humor, she will be remembered for her warmth,
loyalty, compassion and kindness to all.
Along with her husband Jack, Ray is survived by her
daughter, Elizabeth, son, Robert, daughter-in-law, Elaine and granddaughter,
Kiera. A celebration of her life is planned for November 23rd at 1
pm at the Unitarian Church at 220 Main Street, Northampton, MA.
The Wrisley Funeral, Sugarloaf Street, South
Deerfield, has charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy are available at
www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com
