Frances Raymond

PROVINCETOWN — Frances (Perry) Raymond, 104, the oldest resident of Provincetown, died on Sunday, June 14, 2009, at Seashore Point in Provincetown, surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of the late Frank Raymond.

Born in Provincetown, she was the daughter of the late Anthony J. and Mary (Medeiros) Perry. She graduated from Provincetown High School and went to work for New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. She rose to the position of chief operator and retired in April of 1966 when Provincetown switched from operator connections to the dial system.

Frances and her husband owned rental cottages called Skipper Raymond's and Captain Raymond's. She continued to maintain and manage them until very recently. Earlier in her life, she worked as a waitress.

For many years, she was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Club and the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a lifelong member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown. She was also the recipient of the Boston Post Cane, an award started in 1909 by the Boston Post Newspaper and bestowed on the oldest resident of a town over 90 years of age and presented by the board of selectmen.

Mrs. Raymond is survived by her niece, Leona Caton and her nephew, Anthony Joseph, both of Provincetown; Avis Kaesleau of Dennis and Doris Westnedge of Pennsylvania; great-nieces, Loretta Alves of North Truro, Janet Francis of Wellfleet, Jane Cavanaugh of East Longmeadow and Wellfleet, Debbie Velozza of Westport, and Shelly Mateus of Wellfleet; and great-nephew, Bruce Caton of Provincetown. She also leaves several other relatives from different generations as well as countless friends.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Peter the Apostle Church, 11 Prince St., Provincetown on Wednesday, June 17, at 10 a.m., followed by interment in St. Peter Cemetery. Visiting hours are Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., with vigil prayers at 6:30 at the Gately-McHoul Funeral Home, 94 Harry Kemp Way, Provincetown.

If desired, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the Provincetown Rescue Squad, 25 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown, MA 02657.