Southwest Harbor
Bessie Tapley Gray, 64, died April 23, 2014 in Bar Harbor. She was born February 24, 1950 in Bar Harbor, the daughter of Lewis Merton and LeRita (Tainter) Tapley.
She attended Pemetic High School. From a young age, Bessie knew her destiny and that was to take care of the abused and unwanted animals of the world. She did that through her work with the animal shelter in Southwest Harbor, finding forever homes for these little creatures, until she could no longer walk to the kennels.
Bessie is survived by her husband, Kenneth L. Gray Sr.; two sons, Robert L. Gray and wife Lee and Kenneth L. Gray Jr. and wife Leslie; and grandson, Jay; brother, Jerry Tapley and wife Beverly; three sisters, Alice Pettegrow and husband Mac, Dinah Spurling and husband Loren and Rowena (Dean) Turner and husband Raymond; brother-in-law, Michael S. Gray; and sister -in-law, Judy Albano; special friends, Brenda Seavey and husband Keith, Becky Madeira Castle, Cheryl Astle and Jonalee Roths. She was predeceased by one brother, Teddy Tapley.
A celebration of Bessie’s life will be held at a later date.
Contributions in Bessie’s memory may be made to the Southwest Animal Welfare, Inc., PO Box 434, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 or to a charity of one’s choice
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St. Mt. Desert
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com