Milford nurse and community volunteer Margaret Evelyn Bray dies at 75

Margaret Evelyn Bray, age 75, of Milford, Del., died January 10, 2026, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 21 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Milford. Interment will follow at Hollywood Cemetery.

MILFORD, Del. — Margaret Evelyn Bray, a longtime nurse, community volunteer and Milford resident known for her warmth, professionalism and dedication to service, died Jan. 10, 2026, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was 75.

Bray devoted her life to caring for others, both through a distinguished medical career and years of volunteer service after retirement. She was the daughter of the late John J. McDonnell and Grace McDonnell.

Raised in southeastern Pennsylvania, Bray graduated from Radnor High School and pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, studying in London, United Kingdom, and in University Park, Maryland. She earned her registered nursing degree from Delaware County Community College in Pennsylvania.

Her nursing career spanned decades and multiple states, including service at Louisiana State University Medical Center and Bayhealth Medical Center in Delaware. Over the course of her career, Bray served as a registered nurse, registered nurse first assistant, certified nurse operating room professional, and lead RN for gynecological and general specialties.

Even after retiring, Bray continued her commitment to health care and public service. She completed the Emergency Medical Technician Rescue Program through the Delaware State Fire School and worked concurrently at Dover SurgiCenter, Blue Hen Surgical Center and the Cheer Adult Center. She also volunteered her time with the Boys and Girls Club in Milford.

Bray was widely known for her vivacious personality, gracious manner and willingness to share her knowledge with others. She had a deep appreciation for crafts and watercolor painting and maintained a strong commitment to health, fitness, cycling and nutrition.

Above all, family members said, Bray was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sibling and friend who made a lasting impact on those around her.

“She was one of those people who truly made a difference,” her family said in a statement. “She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.”

In addition to her parents, Bray was predeceased by her older brother. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Larry Bray; four sons; two stepchildren; their spouses; eight grandchildren; a sister; two younger brothers; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 21 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Milford. Interment will follow at Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bray’s memory be made to the Bayhealth Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

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