Jean P. (Testa) Ray

Jean Ray, born Giovanna Pracidia Testa in North Providence, Rhode Island, on September 20, 1933, went to her Lord peacefully one day shy of her 90th birthday, September 19th, surrounded by her three children.

A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, Jean was a 1952 graduate of Coventry High School. She met her would-be late husband, Joe Ray, of 65 years at Lake Mishnock Dance Barn, and later reunited with him at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast in West Warwick after his Navy stint. They were married in 1956 at St. Anthony’s Church and began their family. Jean worked for Kent County Memorial Hospital in the Business Office for 34 years. She also attained a Real Estate license and worked in that field. She continued volunteering in the hospital gift shop long after her retirement. Her incredible zest for life and gift of hospitality was always evident, as she coordinated many trips along with fund raising and working in the golf league at Kent Hospital.

Jean will be remembered for her incredible strength and positive attitude along with her beautiful smile. Whenever asked how she was feeling during her cancer diagnosis and hospice care, the reply would always be “everything is fine!” In her active years, she had an amazing ability to make friends wherever she went. Her home and rentals in Florida were always open to anyone who needed a place to stay and a good meal. Jean’s devotion to family and her Catholic faith become her cornerstone, which she passed on to her children and all who knew her. She was communicant of Sacred Heart Church and was a member of their golf committee for many years. Jean was a talented artist starting in high school and throughout her life, creating many beautiful paintings that her children and grandchildren treasure. Her love of all animals (especially her two rescued cats, Sam, and Lily), travel, music, dancing, and good food will always be fondly remembered. “I hope you remember to dance…” was one of her mottos in life…

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph A. Ray. She is survived by children, Jacqueline (Alan) Kirchoff, Christopher (Julie) Ray and Matthew (Ann Marie) Ray; her grandchildren, Joseph (Lauren) Higginbotham, Christopher Jr., Robbie, and Mary Ray; and brothers John Testa and Dennis Damiano.

The Family would especially like to thank all the nurses and CNAs of the VNA Hospice for their wonderful and loving care of mom, which was always a blessing during the last two years.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the visitation on Monday morning, September 25, 2023, from 9:00-10:30 am in the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 820 Providence Street, West Warwick.  Interment will be in the RI Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to VNA of Care New England Hospice or Sacred Heart Church in her memory.  For information, condolences, and complete obituary, please visit: www.PrataGallogly.com.

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