Connie Pray
August 25,
2023
December 25,
1949
Constance Pray, beloved wife of Lawrence Myers Pray and mother to Timothy, Andrew, Benjamin and Emily, passed away on Friday, August 25 in Missoula, Montana. She was 73-years-old. Her final moments were spent surrounded by her adoring family. She is missed deeply and wholly.
Connie led a full life, one of purpose and intention and wily humor. Born in Ohio and schooled in Michigan, her many talents found many homes. From leading a museum in Maine to driving development for Bank Street College in Manhattan to her pride and joy - the opening of her Parnassus Bookstore in Grand Marais, Minnesota - she could seemingly do anything, with her brilliance incandescent and obvious.
Far more important than her career(s) was the way she cared for those around her - fully, emphatically, hilariously. She was a mortal enemy of bullies, the best listener on the planet and always, always found a way to support someone in need, in many cases those that others simply didn’t see.
She loved to give gifts. She was a card shark. She was an artist. She was a jokester. She had a way of saying inappropriate, clever things that brought levity and humor to any conversation. She set a world record with phones lost, broken or technically scrambled, a feat that will never, ever be broken again. She was the best nurturer, tucker-inner and ‘always made you feel like the most special person on earth-er.’
Connie shone brightly despite life’s difficulties, always finding ways to celebrate life’s joys. From rowing the coast of Maine to relishing in the deliciousness of a perfect pen, she was a light. In the sunset of her journey, her grandchildren Matilda and Fern were the sunrise of the family, bringing her immense pride and joy.
She spent 53 incredible years with the love of her life, Larry Pray, who became her everything. She was a beloved sister to Larry’s three brothers and a cherished “only daughter” to his parents Lloyd and Carrel. She will be laid to rest beside them in Madison, Wisconsin.
A Donation
Turns out Connie had been making donations to the Audubon Society for years and years. It fits, given her love of nature and dad’s custom of bringing her wooden birds from China Town back when we lived in New York City.
Should you be seeking a place to donate on mom’s behalf, a small gift to the Audubon Society would continue her commitment, but certainly isn’t expected.