Long Island, ME - Dolores "Laurie" Brayley passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2022 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a brief illness.

Laurie was born in New York City on February 13th, 1932 to Dolores MacAndrews DelRe and Michael DelRe. She grew up in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York before moving to Long Island, Maine as a young girl with her mother and brother Noel. They resided in a family home her great grandfather, William Hughes, had bought in 1908, named "The Shamrock".

Laurie graduated from Portland High School in 1950 and then attended Boston University.

She married William A. Floyd in 1953 and had three children – Michael (1955), Jennifer (1957) and Andrew (1967). They lived in South Portland and later Cape Elizabeth with summers spent on Long Island.

After she and Bill separated, she had a next chapter in love with Robert (Bob) "Biscuit" Brayley in 1978. They had joyous, fruitful years together; being completely smitten with one another! As well – she welcomed Bob's children – Michael and Debbie to the family.

Laurie was a multi-hyphenate before the term existed. Mother – Artist – Crafter – Care-Giver – Do-Er. She worked from home (before it was common) typing forms for Hooper Homes Insurance. After that she worked at Minott's and Homestead Flowers – always with a keen artist's eye for arranging.

When Laurie and Bob moved to Long Island year-round it was to "St. Helena", the house on "The Ridge" willed to her by her Uncle Bunny whom she cared for as he aged. It was at this house that she embraced her artistic nature – painting ocean scenes in oil and acrylic. She was also an expert quilter, seamstress and a beautiful knitter; making many Irish fisherman's sweaters for friends and family. She loved making jewelry with sea glass and hand made rose beads. Much of her talent was on display at a small gift shop within St. Helena. The "Summer Room" was a great destination for holiday shopping!

Laurie volunteered at the Long Island Community Library for over 25 years. She and her life-long friend, Cynthia Ross, were a comedic fixture on Mondays. Their back-and-forth banter was entertaining to all patrons . Think "Laurie – where is that book Cissy? Cissy – that book is somewhere Laurie"! Yet they both always performed brilliantly!

Our Mum was a lifelong liberal, from Kennedy to Biden. When she contributed to Barack Obama's campaign(s), the staffers loved that a funny, feisty woman off the coast of Maine was a staunch supporter. Most important – she embraced inclusiveness with no hate nor discrimination.

Laurie demonstrated her artistry with dinners on Christmas Eve and many holiday parties. She prepared appetizers and dinners for a host of friends and family. The photographic evidence shows a good time was had by all! She also loved to be entertained. From island "cabarets" (of years past) to more recent dances where she "cut the rug" with gusto to the band 43 70 which her son Michael was in.

She (with Bob) relished going on cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean with a host of friends, as well as travelling to Spain to see Cynthia and Harley when they lived there.

Mum's playful nature was evident to all, but two stories reveal this fittingly. One – as April Fool's Day approached, family members selected and honed their pranks. As far as we know tears were never shed but threats from Mum, as in, "I'll get you for that one" were a badge of honor. Two – Mum's last cat companion at St. Helena (before assisted living) was her hand-me-down cat, Jaime. Laurie insisted on controlling Jaime's every aspect of life which, being a cat, he found hilarious. Jaime would often try to enter a forbidden closet or the worst (behind the tv) which would elicit curses and the dreaded chasing broom!

As Laurie's dementia became evident our family relied on "island caregivers" to assist. Dear friend Nancy Berges kept her finances straight. Cinny Hallett shopped for her in town. Her other companions Susie, Jane, Marie, Madelaine and Kathy kept her safe in the home she loved. Lorinda Valls delivered her newspapers and pretended to enjoy sandwiches with many unorthodox ingredients. They and daughter Jenn were instrumental in giving Mum several more years on the island.

When the time came, we were very lucky to find Laurie a home at Ledgeview Assisted Living (now known as the Heron House) which is staffed with the most compassionate people. We can't thank them enough for the level of care that kept Laurie safe and sound. They, in turn, loved her for her exceptional sense of humor and general sassiness. We will be forever grateful.

Laurie was predeceased by her parents and brother Noel, her first husband Bill and her second husband, Bob Brayley. Also, her beloved Uncle Bunny and Aunt Berenice.

She is survived by her son Michael Floyd (and wife Kathleen) and their children Christie Muesse (husband Michael), Melanie Floyd (husband Colby Charrier) and Valerie Floyd. As well her daughter Jennifer (husband Randy) and son Andrew Floyd. Great grandchildren Conner, Myles and Sawyer Muesse. Also step-children Michael Brayley (wife Cindy) and their children Brett (wife Joanna), Kevin (wife Kaitlyn) with their daughter Elouise. Riley Brayley and partner Sam Lewis (daughter Annie, son Hudson) Erynn Clarke (husband Rudy). Debbie Miller (husband Nevin) and their daughter, Ariel.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held in the summer of 2023 – against our mother's wishes!

Donations can be made to: Changing Tides, In care of – Lynn LaMontagne, 143 Stepping Stone Lane, Long Island, ME 04050.

A poem for Laurie's 75th birthday (written by son Michael) –

"Those footprints in the sand really don't last that long. I'd much prefer an ancient rhyme of word, deed or song. Or maybe a statue away from the rising sea. I've no wish to sleep with fish, no Atlantean grave for me. So, on the day of your birth as you ponder time left. Have no worries or lack of happiness. For when your time is done and I lay you down, take comfort in that I will allow no "footprints" around".

Condolences may be expressed online at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.