Ray (Rachel) died peacefully on 18th January 2024 in Scarborough Hospital following a short illness. She lived at home until those last few days.  

Although she became much more frail in the last months of her life, she maintained her essential life force, her enjoyment of beauty and her quick wit.  She was beautifully cared for by her elder daughter Allegra along with other family members, her wonderful neighbours Helen and John, and an increasing number of carers.  

She lived a long, varied and interesting life, having been born in USA, grown up in UK, returned to USA for her late teens and early twenties and then settled permanently in UK from the late 1940s.  She married Philip Carlton, who sadly predeceased her by decades.  They met in Nottingham, lived in London and then moved to Bridlington in 1951.  They had five children, now in their 60s and 70s and, of course, grandchildren and great grandchildren followed.  

Ray's interests were gardening, art, music and reading.  She worked in her own garden for many years and it was her pride and joy.  Allegra brought the garden back into its former glory during recent years and Ray took great pleasure in it.  She was an accomplished pianist.  She studied fine art at Hull University after retiring from work and took great pleasure in painting and making sculptures as well as enjoying the art of others. Up until her very last years she read constantly.  

She had a wonderful 100th birthday party in April 2023 and there was a gathering of her extended family as well as friends for that occasion.  It was marvellous that she was able to enjoy that and that so many people could enjoy it with her.
 
She brought light, love and intelligence into many lives.  We were lucky to know and to love her.