Sharon Wray Obituary

Sharon Ann Wray, 73, of Ellington, CT, beloved wife, devoted mother, and adoring mema, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, after a courageous battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Her family stood by her, as she fought this terrible illness, the people she loved most and who were the center of her world. Born in Hartford on October 13, 1951, Sharon was the daughter of the late Daniel and Theresa (Francolini) Drain. She grew up in Hartford and graduated from Hartford Public High School, Class of 1969 #5 in her class & with high honors. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University, and later completed her MBA in Tax at the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford, finishing both degrees, summa cum laude. On June 12, 1971, Sharon married Michael Joseph Wray, the love of her life. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their two children in West Hartford, where they lived for more than 37 years before moving to Ellington to be closer to family. Sharon paused her career to raise her children, then returned to work once they were in school. She began working at a local bank in Hartford and stayed through many transitions/mergers, ultimately retiring from Bank of America in 2019 as a Senior Executive Vice President in the Private Clients Group after more than 31 years of service. While Sharon was proud of her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy came from time spent with family. She had a quiet way of showing how much she cared-through thoughtful gestures, a listening ear, and the many recipes she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary, and her cooking and baking filled her home with warmth and comfort. She cherished time spent with friends, many of whom were lifelong from childhood, as well as the women of "Mother's Circle" and her monthly breakfast group. She and Michael enjoyed traveling, including many family trips to Disney World and St. Maarten. But more than anything, Sharon loved being at home surrounded by the people she loved. A woman of faith, Sharon was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Hartford, and her Catholic faith remained a constant source of strength throughout her life. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Michael; her daughter Michelle Ryan and husband Matthew of Ellington; her son Jason Wray and his partner Jessica Benanti of East Windsor; and her grandchildren, Theresa and Melissa Ryan of Ellington and Hudson Wray of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is also survived by her brother Roger Drain and his wife Eileen of Middlebury; her nephew Ryan Drain and his partner Amy Nasinka of Higganum; and her niece Krista Stryjewski and husband Jason of Woodbury. She is predeceased by her brother-in-law, David Wray. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on August 21, 2025 at 10 am at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St., Hartford. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hartford's Camp Courant, campcourant.org. Arrangements are in care of Carmon Windsor Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.carmonfuneralhome.com (http://www.carmonfuneralhome.com/). Sharon's legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly, the friendships she nurtured, and the kindness she shared with those around her.