Clare Ann Raymond, age 92, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away at American House Assisted Living Community following an extended illness on July 14, 2024.
Clare was born in Los Angeles, CA, on May 13, 1932, as the second daughter of William Joseph and Ella Marie (Esplin) Lelash. On November 29,1952, she married her husband of 52 years, USAF 1st Lt. Richard L. Raymond in St. Mary’s by the Sea Catholic Church, in Huntington Beach, CA.
As a military wife, she lived and traveled to places and countries all over the world including Catalina Island, Japan, Nebraska, Maryland, Belgium, Honduras, Greece, Italy, Russia, Iran, and finally to St Petersburg, FL where Clare and Richard landed. Here, they were finally able to “throw the moving boxes away!” She enjoyed her beautiful home in Shore Acres for 42 years.
Clare worked as a volunteer docent for the Museum of Fine Arts for 35 years, and she was a member of First Unity Church and the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, all of which are in St. Petersburg, FL. Some of her proudest achievements included obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eckerd College in 1990 and also getting a hole-in-one while golfing.
She enjoyed praying, gardening, and reading. Clare was interested in interior and fashion design, sculpting, and jewelry crafting. She was also an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and football.
Clare was known to have loyal and long-standing friendships. She was faith-filled, gentle, kind, generous, thoughtful, and very creative in demonstrating a love of beauty through her many crafts and hobbies.
She is predeceased by her husband, USAF Colonel Richard L. Raymond, her parents, William Joseph and Ella Marie Lelash, and her sister, Joan Marie Wigmore. Her survivors include her daughters, Lore Raymond of St. Petersburg, FL and Cathy Raymond of Monrovia, MD, her son, Michael (Lisa) Raymond of Houston, TX, and her six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
She will always be remembered as a warm, caring, loving, and engaged mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and neighbor.
A special thank you from Clare’s family to Suncoast Hospice for helping her in her time of need.
Her funeral service will be held in a private ceremony at the VA cemetery where she will rest with her husband Col USAF Richard Raymond.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Clare’s honor to any of the following organizations.
EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network)
https://missions.ewtn.com/donation/love-and-understanding/
Silent Unity Prayer Ministry
https://shop.unity.org/donate_UPM
The Clare Raymond Annual Study Abroad Scholarship, Eckerd College
(In comments, mention “In Memory of Clare Raymond”; Scholarship info >> LoreRaymond1313@gmail.com)
Condolences to Lore and family for the loss of their outstanding mom Clare; a lovely and generous woman who lived a wonderful and long life. RIP Clare.
My condolences to her family and friends. Hoping good memories bring comfort. It was truly a pleasure to know Momma Clare. A life well lived. Such a kind, generous soul who is dearly missed and fondly remembered.
It is with great sadness that I convey my condolences for Clare. I know her through Lore, her loving and attentive daughter who through the many years had wonderful activities together. Her generosity and giving nature shined through with her brilliant smile and good nature. I especially remember her gift to others during COVID. She sewed and delivered 100’s of masks for nurses, along with Lore, at a very critical time when masks were not available.
My deepest condolences to her family and the world for our loss of this, dear lady.
She was never just Clare or Mrs. Raymond to me; she was always “Beautiful Clare”. From the time I first met her 30 years ago until her dying day, she was the essence of beauty, body and soul. I have never known another soul as loving and giving as hers. Caring for her in her declining years gave so much meaning to my life. I will always miss her! Sincere condolences to her loving family. Thank you for sharing her life with me.
What a rich life of learning and experiences. Your spirit for adventure and sharing joy lives in Lore. Thanks Mama Clare for sharing your life well lived with all blessed to know you,
Dr Kathie Erwin
What a rich life of learning and experiences. Your spirit for adventure and sharing joy lives on in your daughter Lore.
Dr Kathie Erwin
Lifting up Mama Claire soul’s ongoing journey as she takes on invisibility. Prayers of comfort for all who mourn the loss of her physical presence in their lives. What a light, what a love. A blessing in our world.
Clare Raymond was a gracious, generous woman. She supported her daughter, Lore, in hosting many outstanding gatherings and celebrations in her beautiful waterfront home. She and her husband shared the healing journey with my parents when both men were dealing with prostate cancer. They also shared a love of First Unity church where they attended services and classes. Her love of creativity and community service lives on through the works of Lore. Sending condolences and wishes for peace to all of the Raymond family.
Condolences to Lore and the family
after the passing of their mother and grandmother. I am grateful to have been a virtual witness to Lore’s extraordinary care for her beloved Mama Clare.
May God’s gentle hand reach out to dry your tears.