NORWAY — Carol Ann “Buddy” Hall Raymond, 81, of Norway, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, at her home, with her family by her side, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Lewiston on May 8, 1936, the daughter of G. Freeman and Virginia Holden Hall. She graduated from Norway High School in the class of 1954, then attended Westbrook Junior College, studying X-ray technology.

She married W. Bradford Raymond on March 4, 1956; he died on June 9, 2005. She had been a mother and homemaker all of her life. She was a member of the Second Congregational Church and served for many years on the Stephens Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Carol Ann brought love and laughter into the lives of all who knew her. “Buddy” was a sun worshipper, whether at her second home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she spent the last 30 winters — she enjoyed the beach, all her wonderful friends and loads of good times — or her beloved cottage on Lake Pennesseewassee in Norway. She often said she “lived (her) life on everyone else’s vacations.”

Her door was always open with a smile on her face or a listening ear. Mom was a best friend to many. She knew everyone’s secrets, but would never tell. She was a trusted soul. Mom was a joker and always saw the funny side of life. She had an amazing sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. She loved to “rig up,” a trait she passed on to her children, grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren. Her rig box was special and much loved by all. Clowns were a special totem and with her always. She was a people-person with a huge heart. Her friends were truly extended family. She was another mother to so many.

Carol Ann was well traveled and visited most of America. She was an avid sports fan, following the Patriots and the Red Sox, always rooting for her team. She loved harness racing and “betting on the ponies.” She was a lover of animals, especially her beloved kitty, “Missymoo.” Mom loved music and dancing, which she enjoyed in her later years with her special companion, Jack Glover. Carol Ann was a great cook. When people dropped by, one of her mottos was “throw another potato on and share the wealth.” Her greatest loves were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was our matriarch, our friend and “our rock.” We will all miss her.

Carol Ann is survived by her daughters: Audrey Sue Raymond and her significant other, Anthony Criscitelli, of Mechanic Falls, and Stacey Ann Raymond of Norway; her son, Jeffrey Hall Raymond, of Harrison; five grandchildren: Tyler Bradford Raymond and his wife, Katie (Lobb), of Gray; Coralee Rae Foster of South Portland; Devon Freeman Richards and his companion, Suzy Lopatin, of Portland; Danielle Lynn Richards and her significant other, Jamie Palmer, of Oxford; and Jeffrey Foster and his wife, Toni, of Shrewsbury, Mass.; great-grandchildren: Isaac William Young, Emma Louise Palmer and Ethan Roy Palmer, all of Oxford; Chase Owen Raymond and Maggie Evelyn Raymond, both of Gray; and special friend and companion, Jack Glover.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

Carol Ann Raymond

Copy the Story Link