LEWISTON – Joan M. (Ray) McCarthy, 69, of New Gloucester died Thursday, Sept. 21, at d’Youville Pavilion.

She was born May 8, 1937, the daughter of Oren E. and Edith J. (Walker) Ray Sr. She attended schools in New Gloucester.

She worked as the supervisor of food service at Russell School in Gray, dietitian at Pineland Center and then started her own business, Paradise Eating and Lodging. She opened her heart and home to care for many elderly and made them a part of her family.

She was a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and was a member for more than 40 years.

She was loved and will be sadly missed by her children, Ray Hamilton and Pamela Hines of New Gloucester, Carolyn Price of Maryland, Robert McCarthy of Florida, Phyllis Hewitt of Turner, Earl P. McCarthy of North Waterboro and Linda McCarthy of Limington; a sister, Edith (Dolly) Jordan of Auburn; brother, Donald Ray Sr. of New Gloucester; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 27 years, Earl C. McCarthy; her son, Orrin S. Hamilton, Jr.; her grandson, Roger A. Hines; her adopted daughter, Jeanette Damon; four brothers, Oren Jr., George, Melcon and Delbert Ray; and two sisters, Leonora Dixon and Gail Franzen.

The family wants to express heartfelt thanks to Anita Richardson of Norway for all the loving care she gave Joan for the last several years.