Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Raim

Mary Raim Obituary

Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Raim 93, passed away peacefully at home, on September 29, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She is predeceased by her husband, Robert Raim; her sister, Patricia Zurick and brother, James Gillen. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Mead and her children and their spouses, Jeffrey (Terry Ann) Raim, Timothy (Dawn) Raim, Terence Raim, Kathleen (Clayton) Manchester and grandchildren, Jarret (Casey) Raim, Andrew (Julia) Bryant, Tara Manchester, Alexis Raim, MacKenzie Raim and great-grandchildren, Logan Raim and Madison Bryant. Mary Elizabeth was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 6, 1921 to Mary Madeline Gillen (Allen) and William Gillen. Her younger years were spent in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. She left college in 1944 to serve in WWII as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy. She returned to the U of Iowa after the war, and was in the Highlanders Marching Band and a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority; graduating in 1948. Mary Liz married Robert Raim, an Army Lieutenant on Valentine's Day, 1954 in Stockton, California. They welcomed their three sons and a daughter during the next six years and were stationed all over the world, retiring from the military to Tucson in 1970. Liz returned to the work force getting a teaching certificate and eventually her master's degree from the U of A in 1984. She taught at Sabino, Santa Rita and Rincon High Schools and retired at age 72. She then got busy "having a ball" dancing in the senior tap performing group, The Hot Flashes. Her dancing, traveling and grandkids brought her tremendous joy. Liz remained active throughout her life, having an abundance of wonderful friends, experiences and remarkable achievements. She was truly loved and will be greatly missed. A private celebration of life is being held by family and burial will take place on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Huachuca Old Post Cemetery, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made on her behalf to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Oct. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Raim

8 Entries

Kathie Manchester

January 28, 2015

Just thinking of you today, momma and missing you so.

January 2, 2015

Lizand I met as members of the University of Iowa Scottish Highlanders. Liz, Bob, Jack and I became close friends. Liz Bob and the family visited us in Los Altos, CA where we treated the kids to pink pancakes. As widows Liz and I kept in touch by visits, e mails and phone calls. Our last get together was at a Highlander reunion.

She was a unique individual who made and kept many many friends. My hope is that she shared her life experiences orally or in writing for posterity.

A donation will be made to The U of I Scottish Highlander Foundation in her memory.

Barbara Gerrick

October 8, 2014

My condolences and love to my Raim cousins. Your mom was an inspiration to me. A very amazing lady. She came to several family reunions, always remembered everyone, and was the light of the party. I doubt she could say "never or no". Always smiling, full of energy, danced, talked, up for any and everything. She will always be in my heart and thoughts. We were so lucky to have her in Our Family. love, cousin Barbara

Krista Gray

October 7, 2014

My best wishes to your family. Liz was such a good and loyal friend to my mom, Adelaide. They had so many fun times together. She saved Mom from loneliness and sadness and never stopped visiting her. Liz was always wonderful to me and I appreciated her so much. I talked to her in July and she was as sharp as ever. I hope she wasn't ill too long and I'm so happy her family was with her when she passed. Love and peace to all the family.

October 6, 2014

Your mother was an inspiration. She lived her life to the fullest:always active, always enjoying others, always loving her family, and always faithful to the Lord. She was a very special lady. I will miss her.
My love and prayers are with you.
Suzanne Rodgers Hampton

Steve and Belinda Hiscox

October 5, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to the Raim and Gillen family in the loss of such a beautiful soul. Liz will be greatly missed.

CAROLYN

October 5, 2014

Rest in Peace dear Liz.
Your Navy sisters in the Desert Waves

Kathie Manchester

October 5, 2014

I miss you so much already, mom - we had a great party here last night, you would have LOVED it! Hope you caught the balloons we sent up. I will be forever grateful that I was beside you as you took your last breath... just as you were when I took my first one. Love, Kathie

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