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Mildred BrayTHE DEATH of Mildred Bray has taken from us a distinguished Nevadan and a gracious human being.Miss Bray lived a long life — she died at 83—and during most of her adult years she contributed her wisdom to the public and her warmth to all who came into contact with her.She began her career as a public school teacher, later worked in the state controller’s office and under two different attorneys general as a secretary. In 193b, while she was an office deputy to State School Supl. Chauncy Smith, Smith died and Gov. Richard Kirman Sr, appointed her to fill out Smith’s term.But if it was chance that brought her to the state superintendent position, it was not chance that kept her there. Her work was highly respected by educators and the public; she originated the state aid to education plan which is still a mainstay of local school finances; and she was elected to the superintendent’s post three times in a row — the only person ever to be so honored.When she retired from the position in 1950, she might have rested on these accomplishments. Instead, she provided an example to other aging people that they need not sit idly by in their later years, that they can be useful and active.She worked diligently in the Democratic Party, and was Ormsby County party chairman in the early 1960s. When Grant Sawyer was elected governor, she was not too proud to return to secretarial work, and became the governor’s personal secretary.Miss Bray was fortunate enough to be honored in her lifetime for her work. In 1969 she was named a distinguished Nevadan by the University of Nevada and also saw the Mildred N. Bray Elementary School opened in Carson City. In 1973 she was named one of 20 distinguished women by the Nevada State Society in Washington, D.C.The state was also fortunate — and deeply honored — to have known this charming and capable lady.
Newspaper Details
Nevada Evening Gazette
Reno, Nevada, US
Mon, Nov 03, 1975
Page 21
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 06 Mar 2022
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