Westerly, RI – Polly Joan Philbrick Ray, 87, passed peacefully on March 25th, 2026.
Polly was born in Keene, NH to parents Lucille and William Philbrick. She grew up with close ties to her cousins and other family nearby, and together they enjoyed spending summers visiting their camp at Lake Massasecum.
Polly attended Middlebury College in Vermont as part of the class of 1960, where she graduated as an English major. While attending Middlebury, she also met the love of her life, Bob, who would go on to be her husband for over 60 years until his passing in summer of 2025.
Following graduation from Middlebury, Polly moved to Maryland to follow Bob’s role in the military. Polly and Bob were married in 1961, and lived for a short time in Boston before settling in Peterborough, NH to raise their two sons, William and James. Polly worked as an English teacher in Peterborough’s schools, enjoying her time with students and helping to shape the town’s community. Polly was also an active member of the All Saints’ Episcopal church, and had an active social life, enjoying many close friendships in Peterborough.
Polly and Bob retired to Weekapaug, RI in 2006, where she was deeply engaged with the local community and was involved with the College Club of Westerly. Polly looked forward to spending summers with her family and was always a strong supporter of her grandchildren’s activities and achievements. She also enjoyed travelling with Bob and their close friends throughout her retirement.
Polly was happiest when surrounded by her family. She raised her two sons with love, care, and good principles, and cherished her close relationships with both William and James, as well as their respective families. As a grandmother, Polly was a constant presence in her grandchildren’s lives, teaching them to bake, cheering them on in athletics, and more. She imbued festive occasions with a touch of magic, delighting family and friends with favorite traditions such as Christmas Eve dinner and Easter Bunny cake.
Polly lived her life with an open and loving heart. She was always thrilled to chat with her family for hours, always the biggest supporter of her grandchildren, always happy to see an old friend or to make a new one, always delighted to spend time with her beloved Bob, and always pouring love into each and every one of her relationships. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen, special, and appreciated.
She will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and a dear friend.
Polly is survived by her son William, wife Kerry, and grandchildren Emily and Zachary; and her son James and wife Lara and grandchildren Elsa and Graham.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation or the American Cancer Society.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.
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