BAR HARBOR - Frances (Wren) Raymond, 76, passed from this life Feb. 5, 2013, at her home at Birch Bay Retirement Community, Hulls Cove. She was born Jan. 10, 1937, in Medford, Mass., to Alice and Paul Wren.
Fran graduated from Medford (Mass.) High School in 1954 and played the flute in the band there throughout her high school career. From there she went to Colby College, Waterville, where she met her future husband, Bob, who was a junior there. She participated in many extracurricular activities and was the president of the student body in her senior year. Bob graduated two years before her and went on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. During Christmas vacation in 1957 they were married at Grace Episcopal Church, Medford, Mass., and after a short honeymoon, Fran went back to Colby to finish her senior year while Bob returned to pilot training in Texas. She graduated from Colby in 1958. After assignments in Massachusetts, Stanford University, Virginia, and Colorado - where Bob was ordained as an Episcopal priest, they returned to their beloved Maine in 1985 and lived in Hulls Cove until Fran moved to Birch Bay Village last fall. During her life Fran was engaged in varied and diverse activities. She was an excellent seamstress and made most of her own clothes and much clothing for her children and grandchildren. In addition, she excelled in making Christian banners and altar furnishings for her Episcopal church. She also was an outstanding lap swimmer and loved to be in the water, or on the water, either sailing or kayaking. After Bob retired in 1998, they joined a hiking group on Mount Desert Island and enjoyed that for many years. However, her greatest joy was in gardening around her home - she had a natural talent for planting flowers, bushes and other enhancements to the property. Throughout her life Fran was a spiritual inspiration for many, and was known for her friendly, outgoing personality, her warm hospitality, and her adventurous spirit. She will be missed greatly by her family, including her church family, her many friends and her entire community.
Fran was the loving wife of Robert "Bob" Raymond; and a cherished mother of Julie Chalk and husband, David, and Scott Raymond and wife, Michelle. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jordan, Nathaniel, Dylan and Naomi; a sister, Mary Swain of Georgetown; a brother, Graham Wren of Naples, Fla., and Georgetown; as well as many nieces and nephews. All will miss her in their lives.
A requiem Eucharist, celebrating her life, will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at Church of Our Father, Hulls Cove. The celebrant will be Fran's son-in-law, the Rev. David Chalk. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Fran's life may be made to Church of Our Father, P.O. Box 186, Hulls Cove, ME 04644 or MDI-YMCA, P.O. Box 51, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 1, 2023
Friend
Rev. Jane Holmes
Fran was a very "special" friend. Has been dearly missed.
February 14, 2013
Marsha Connors
I will miss Fran, her warm smile and always-ready hugs.
February 13, 2013
Jan Matter
Dear Bob and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Fran. I will always remember her kindness and cheerful humor. May there be many happy memories to help sustain you.
February 13, 2013
Mary Rose Hoffman
Fran Raymond gave us a glimpse of Heaven on earth. She made the world a better place and a more beautiful place. Our deepest condolences to Father Bob and all family.
February 12, 2013
Dear Bob and family, I was very sorry to hear about Fran. I have such wonderful memories of Fran as well as you when we worked together on Cursillo team. Fran was a delight and full of fun. She was a special lady in my eyes. Know that your'e in my prayers. Shalom, Rev.Jane(Pohlman)Holmes.
February 12, 2013
Mim Hall
Bob, I feel blessed to have known Fran. I will always carry the twinkle of her incredible blue eyes. If it is true that the eyes are the window to the soul... Then she she has a most remarkable soul indeed! May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this time of profound loss.
February 9, 2013
Bob, our love to you and your family in this time of your loss. Fran was a beautiful person and we have wonderful memories of walking with her on all the MDI trails with the Footloose friends. Now she's just walked on a little further up the path and around the corner . . . . Thanks be to God for her life and for her many gifts so generously and lovingly shared! --Pauline and Jennifer Reece
February 8, 2013
Libby Weaver-Radcliffe
Bob, I am so glad that you and Fran were welcoming faces as I moved my father into Birch Bay in January. Her smile really did light up the room and your kind words were so helpful.
February 8, 2013
Bill & Barbara Fleming
Fran's smile would light the room! She was a trooper, a love......so kind and helpful to everyone she met, as she made us feel so welcome and at home at Church of our Father when we first moved to MDI. We shall miss her and send our sincerest love and condolences to Fr. Bob and all her family,
William and Barbara Fleming
February 8, 2013
Christine Walsh
I remember the first day I met her she had the biggest smile, welcome Craig and I w/ open arms. we have always felt so close to Bob and her. I will truly miss that smile but I know she is in a better place and she will be missed by anyone that is touched.
February 8, 2013
From the last Fran and Bob: Terribly shocked and sad. She was a really great and loving person. You are in our thought and prayers. Love you!
February 7, 2013
Christine Harding
Father Bob and family, Dale and I are deeply saddened to hear of Fran's passing. Fran's smile lit up the room and her joyful spirit contagious. Whenever seeing you and Fran, she would give me a hug -- this I will miss. No doubt Fran is in Heaven enjoying her continued life with God. Please know we are thinking of you at this most difficult time.
February 7, 2013
Phillips Bob and Sarah
So sorry to hear of Fran's passing. She was a wonderful woman. But, thank God she is in His sweet Presence. May you all be comforted.
February 7, 2013
Lisa Hanscom Winger
Father Bob and Family,
Please accept our condolences. We will always remember Fran's smiling face and enthusiasm when we worked together at the Church Fair's plant booth. She was an amazing woman and always a pleasure to see and be with. May you share the memories and smile lots remembering the good times.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Lisa & Todd Winger and Carlene & Hilton Hanscom
February 7, 2013
Ben Barr
Bob and family, I am so saddened at the passing of Fran. She was a wonderful lady and truly an inspiration to me when I made my Cursillo. She will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace.
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