Allyson Ann Raymond

Allyson Ann Raymond a lifelong resident of St. Albans passed away peacefully early Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Albans Health & Rehab with her family at her side.

Born in St. Albans on June 29, 1964, the daughter of Betty (King) Powell and the late Neil Raymond.

Allyson was a 1982 graduate of Bellows Free Academy and attended Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. She was a longtime family employee at the Total Home Center.

Survivors include her mother, Betty Powell and her husband, David, son, Casey Ferland and his wife, Bralynn; brother, Greg Raymond and his wife, Kathleen Dandurand; Casey's Dad, Brad Ferland and Brad's daughter, Chelsea Ferland. She leaves close family friends Barb and Tom Walsh and Tim West. She was predeceased by her very close aunt, Virginia "Ginny" Hilliker and numerous other family members.

Allyson also leaves many other "families" including the staff at Total Home Center, the Driscoll Drive neighborhood, and Jeff's Seafood Restaurants long time owners and staff. Along the way in life, Allyson also met and collected friends everywhere she went. She enriched the life of each new friend who met her and sought adventure with.

Allyson's early years were growing up on Brown Ave. She had stunning red hair, a fully freckled face and arms, wore eyeglasses and held a vibrant enthusiasm for life. She and close friend and neighbor Ann Berno were surrounded by older and younger brothers/boys and carefully navigated the girl world as a team. Neighborhood adventures set the stage for a lifetime of quests.

Allyson had a relationship with the universe that was strong and unique to her. She believed in ghosts and the power of the universe. On one trip to the Mount Washington Hotel, she roamed the halls floor by floor late at night including an unauthorized elevator ride to the attic seeking deceased Hotel owner Carolyn Stickney who was said to haunt the hotel. Allyson sought and understood aberrations others would never think to seek both worldly and beyond.

When Allyson was in labor for her son Casey, she extended one arm out and pointed her finger to something only she could see off in the universe, and she made low guttural sounds that only her recipient could possibly understand. For well over 20 hours, she was in hard labor. When it was finally time for delivery, Dr. Tremblay with a strong French-Canadian accent kept repeating "push Allyson, push." She did so until the gemstone of her life was born. Casey's crib room was decorated with handmade jungle animals she created and wallpaper jungle plants and vines. She was an amazing mother from the moment Casey arrived.

Travel and adventure were part of Allyson's life. A road trip to visit Casey in college was hindered by a giant snowstorm that closed the interstate in Massachusetts. She, Tim and Bralynn were determined to make the trip and managed their way around closed exits and deep snowbanks. Destined to ask forgiveness if stopped, they arrived in Providence unscathed as if such a thing was just another day.

A work stint in Stowe, VT at an alpaca store fostered an admiration for the animal whose products she sold. Alpacas by nature are beautifully unique in looks, personality and behavior. She may have felt a relative kinship only she could foster. She also loved her dogs and cats, and if koala bears were permitted in St. Albans, she would have had one.

A trip to the Outer banks found Allyson adorned in a cowboy hat, and long leather jacket. She was quickly nicknamed Jesse after the character in the movie Toy Story. With red hair flowing, she owned the look.

Family travel was a gift and adventures to Captiva were a valued treat. Allyson loved pelicans which she called pengalunds. She loved the manatees and watching the gentle movement of dolphins swimming serenely along the ocean shore.

Her Driscoll drive house was a haven and hangout for Casey and his friends. She was low-keyed and undemanding. The "boys" loved her sanctuary. There was plenty of food and a lack of scornful authority. It was safe and filled with watchful love. She was the mom of many.

Holidays were festive and joyous at Nana and Papa's house. Gathering of family and friends found Allyson and her mom and Aunt Ginny moving about the kitchen, preparing turkey feasts. Aunt Ginny and Allyson pursued holiday silliness where turkey hats might be worn, and lottery tickets or other games might adorn the table. Allyson notably worked quietly after the meal, in the kitchen cleaning up, without fanfare or need for praise.

Her love for her mom and her family was strong. It manifested either directly with hugs and a smile, or from a distance from her home. She was generous in care and quiet love.

To attempt to persuade Allyson into something or out of something was telling. She had strong convictions about how she would contend with life, journey and destination. Her core principles were ardent. She admirably lived life on her terms, and this was truly one of her core gifts as a person. She was not material in nature. Modest in things for herself, generous in giving to others There was only one Allyson in the world; red headed, freckled, quick witted, smart, independent, beautiful and a great mom. She was loved by all.

Allyson's family will receive family and friends on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Franklin County Animal Rescue at 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, Vermont 05478.

Assisting the family of Allyson Raymond is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.