Carol A. Raymond

NORWAY — Carol Ann Hall Raymond, also known as “Buddy,” 81, of Norway, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at her home with her family by her side following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Lewiston on May 8, 1936, the daughter of G. Freeman and Virginia Holden Hall. She graduated from Norway High School in the class of 1954, and then she attended Westbrook Jr. College studying x-ray technology. She married W. Bradford Raymond on March 4, 1956. He died on June 9, 2005.

She had been a mother and homemaker all of her life. She was a member of the Second Congregational Church and served on the Stephens Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for many years. Carol Ann brought love and laughter into the lives of all who knew her. “Buddy” was a sun worshipper, whether she was at her second home in New Smyrna Beach, where she spent the last 30 winters — she enjoyed the beach, all her wonderful friends and loads of good times, or her beloved cottage on Lake Pennesseewassee. She often said “she lived her life on everyone else’s vacations.”

Her door was always open, with a smile on her face or a listening ear. Mom was a best friend to many, she knew everyone’s secrets, but would never tell. She was a trusted soul. Mom was a joker and always saw the funny side of life. She had an amazing sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. She loved to “rig up,” a trait she passed on to her children, grandchildren and even her great grandchildren. Her rig box was special and much loved by all. Clowns were a special totem and with her always. She was a people person with a huge heart, her friends were truly extended family. She was another mother to so many.

Carol Ann was well-traveled and visited most of America. She was an avid sports fan, following the Patriots and Red Sox games, always rooting for her team. She loved harness racing and “betting on the ponies.” She was a lover of animals, especially her beloved kitty “Missymoo.” Mom loved music and dancing, which she enjoyed in her later years with her special companion Jack Glover. Carol Ann was a great cook and when people dropped by, one of her mottos was “throw another potato on and share the wealth.”

Her greatest loves were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was our matriarch, our friend and “Our Rock.” We will all miss her!

Carol Ann is survived by her daughters, Aubrey Sue Raymond and her significant other Anthony Criscitelli of Mechanic Falls, and Stacey Ann Raymond of Norway; her son, Jeffrey Hall Raymond of Harrison; five grandchildren, Tyler Bradford Raymond and his wife Katie (Lobb) of Gray, Coralee Rae Foster of South Portland, Devon Freeman Richards and his companion Suzy Lopatin of Portland, Danielle Lynn Richards and her significant other Jamie Palmer of Oxford, and Jeffrey Foster and his wife Toni of Shrewsbury, Mass.; great-grandchildren, Isaac William Young, Emma Louise Palmer and Ethan Roy Palmer, all of Oxford, Chase Owen Raymond and Maggie Evelyn Raymond, both of Gray; a special friend and companion Jack Glover.

Family and friends attended a time of visitation on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford. At Carol Ann’s request there will be a celebration of life in the spring following her burial, time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 245 Center St., Suite 10A, Auburn, ME 04210, or to the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, PO Box 263, Norway, ME 04268. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com