Leah Alice Gray, age 98, of Concord, NH and formerly of Campton, NH passed away on August 18, 2022, after a period of declining health. She was born in Plymouth, on January 31, 1924, the only child of Dr. Frederick and Maud (Goodwin) Gray.
Leah grew up in Campton and attended Blair Schoolhouse and graduated from Plymouth High School. In 1929, her parents bought Blair Chapel, in Campton, and converted it into Woodland Rooms and Cabins. After her father died, she and her mother continued to run the summer business until 1980.
She earned her B.Ed in Social Studies, from Plymouth Teachers College, in 1944. She taught in Tilton and Nashua, but the majority of her career was spent teaching geography and anthropology and serving as Department Chair at Rundlett Junior High School, in Concord. She was a beloved teacher and friend, and many of her students and colleagues kept in touch with her for many years. These were relationships which she truly cherished.
Leah loved archaeology and took an educational sabbatical to Mexico to study the many ruins. She and her best friend, Carolyn Goodwill, enjoyed many great travel adventures, including traveling throughout Europe and visiting her dear friend and pen pal in the Netherlands.
Her love of animals involved her in many animal rescues and the support of various animal shelters. She was a member of the NH Humane Society and the Concord SPCA. Among her many charities was her generous support of the American Red Cross and the Concord Hospital.
Her love of nature and the environment led to her active involvement in the Campton Conservation Commission. In 2002, she donated land to the Commission to be developed into Blair Woods, an area of walking trails along the Pemigewasset River, in Campton.
She was an active member of the South Congregational Church, in Concord and also the Campton Congregational Church.
Throughout her long life, Leah continued to have a powerful influence on those with whom she interacted and will long be remembered for her gentleness, her compassion and her willingness to help and befriend others.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 9 at 11:00am, at the South Congregational Church 27 Pleasant Street Concord, NH followed by a Graveside Service at 3:00pm at Blair Cemetery, Blair Road Campton NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Concord SPCA, the Campton Conservation Commission , 12 Gearty Way Campton, NH 03223, and the Campton Congregational Church P.O. Box 328 Campton, NH03223
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