Lida H. Bray's Obituary
Lida H Bray, at 97, slipped quietly away from this world after a brief hospital stay. She was born in Philadelphia to John C Herbert, CPA, and Dimple Herbert, a homemaker. She spent her early years first in Philadelphia and later in Wilmington, Delaware. After graduating from Alfred E. Dupont High School, she started working at Bell Telephone. After her children were born, she spent years as a stay home, mom. Later she built a career in insurance – first with John Morgan Insurance and then Jack Martin Associates.
Lida was endlessly social, gathering friends wherever life took her. She traveled extensively always ready for the next adventure.
As mother, was a supportive, joyful presence, a Girl Scout leader, a travel companion and a creator of memories in every city she called home. She made sure her daughters saw everything worth seeing. One of her favorite past times was shopping with her daughter, Debbie. In later years, her winter pilgrimage took her to Hawaii, where she stayed with her daughter, Janet. Her trips became a cherished ritual.
To her grandchildren, she was the fun-loving Nana, who believed in adventure in everything. She sent them sailing, encouraged their curiosity and gave them of experiences- a gift that would shape their lives long after childhood ended.
Lida is survived by her daughters Debbie Anthony (John) and Janet Mandrell. Her grandchildren, Ryan Anthony(Lindsey)
Allison Kane (Kevin)and Steve Anthony (Kelly) and five great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Gwen Hodgens and many nephew and nieces.
She was predeceased by her husbands Gordon Mandrell and Ed Bray. As she wished, services will be a private family celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders and the Sierra Club.
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