Mary Katherine Williams Raymond

1937 - 2022

Mary Katherine Williams Raymond, age 84, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Metairie, Louisiana, on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Rowena Gervais Tranchina and Leo Williams; two daughters, Kathleen Stauder Oestriecher and Patricia Stauder; first husband, Andrew "Mickey" Stauder; and her second husband, Mike Raymond. Mary is survived by two loving daughters, Andrea Stauder Gusler (Trey Gusler) and Elizabeth Rickman; life partner of 30 plus years, Frank J. Hogan; and six grandchildren, Andrew Armstrong, Brittany Rickman, Woody Gusler (Tara Gusler), Alicia Rickman, Gavin Gusler, and Evelyn Gusler. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. Mary was born in New Orleans on August 3, 1937. She attended the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, U.N.O., and graduated from Our Lady of Holy Cross, where she earned a BA in psychology. Mary was an alcohol and drug abuse therapist and retired in 2010. She was also an artist and teacher, and owned an art studio for 20 years. She was the owner and art teacher of the Center for Creative Arts in LaPlace and Metairie, where she taught adults and children. She created and managed the River Regions Art Council and a member of the New Orleans Art Association. Mary won many awards as an artist and teacher, and was featured in many newspapers and magazines. Her art was displayed in numerous galleries throughout Louisiana. She was the featured artist in the Acadiana Profile Magazine that told the story of the Tunica Indian Triumph. The Tunica Chief commissioned her to paint the history of the Cajuns and Indians. Her talent and creativity also extended to music; in the 1970s, with Mike Raymond, formed her band, The Mary Raymond Orchestra, and was the lead singer. Mary also loved travelling; she ventured to Europe several times, where she enjoyed seeing the works of history's famous artists, Monet, DaVinci, Rembrant, and Van Gogh. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Lakeside Hospice for the care and compassion they gave to Mary. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m. The interment will follow the chapel service at Lake Lawn Park. All friends of Bill W. are welcome. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.