1954 – 2004

BANGOR – Ilise Kaufman-Ray, 50, of Maple Street, Bangor, died Sunday, March 7, in her sleep, ending a long battle with lung cancer.

Ilise was born in Harrison, N.Y. and attended schools there. She graduated from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Mass. In 1986 she moved to Portland to be closer to her family and has remained in Maine since. She was married in 1993 and moved to Bangor with her husband, Douglas Ray, shortly thereafter.

Ilise is best remembered for the love, strength and charisma she possessed. Those lucky enough to have known her looked to her as an inspiration of courage and as a faithful and honest friend. She could make anyone laugh with her outgoing and straightforward manner.

After overcoming breast cancer in 1998, Ilise regained her strength and enjoyed her health. She was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago and fought fiercely until Sunday. Called a miracle not only by her family and friends but by all who helped her fight at Cancer Care of Maine, she never gave up. Her gregarious and vibrant nature will be remembered by all.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Ray, of Bangor; her mother, Eleanor Haas, of Sarasota, Fla.; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Barbara Kaufman, of Freeport; and brothers, Steven Kaufman of New York City and Robert Haas of Sarasota, Fla.; two nieces, Dara Kaufman of Freeport and Sara Haas of Cos Cob, Conn. and a nephew, Aaron Kaufman, of Freeport.

She is predeceased by her father, Gene Kaufman and stepfather, Lee Haas.

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