Jeanne Raymond, a dear friend of mine, passed away March 18.

Due to declining health, she recently relocated closer to her daughter, and my son and I visited her the weekend of March 11-12.  We reminisced as she tightly held my hands, and her sweet smile is etched in my memory. It was tough knowing it would probably be the last time I saw her.

It was.

Who was Jeanne Raymond? She lived 86 years, and she loved the city of Lewiston. She resided adjacent to No Name Pond and was a long-time advocate for both water quality and land preservation surrounding the pond.

She served as president of the No Name Pond Watershed Management Association, receiving a City of Lewiston Community Service Award for environmental efforts and being a pond steward.

Former Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau, who assisted with pond efforts, describes Jeanne as “an exceptional person of great character, warmth and compassion. Her love for young people and just about everyone she met was felt by many, and she will be missed greatly.”

Loons on the pond brought her happiness, and she participated in the annual Maine Audubon loon count. For many years, she contributed to a newsletter about the pond, the loons and water quality, and many called her the “Loon Lady” or the “Mayor of No Name Pond.”

Jeanne was also the “official grandmother” of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council. For years, she attended LYAC meetings and events, often bringing homemade cookies and always encouraging their aspirations. She told anyone who would listen about LYAC, describing the group as the city’s future. She wrote letters to the editor about LYAC and asked Sun Journal Sun Spots readers to send LYAC Valentine cards.

She sent graduation cards, gave stethoscopes to members pursuing nursing — her career — and encouraged college goers, such as former member Damon DeWitt attending Dartmouth. Damon says Jeanne was “honestly one of the most genuinely sweet people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.”

She invited many LYAC members to the pond upon the close of their tenure, describing birds at her bird feeder, nests they made, tomatoes in her garden, and delighting in members kayaking on the pond.

Members gave her an “official grandmother” t-shirt, and former member Hope Rubito made a matching mask for her during COVID. Jeanne raved about LYAC so much while wearing her mask when getting new hearing aids, the business gave her an official grandmother discount!

Former and current LYAC members have been following Jeanne’s recent health challenges, and Hana Elabe said, “As a former LYAC member, we appreciated Grandma Jeanne so much.”  The last LYAC event Jeanne attended was on Dec. 8, 2022, and current Vice Chair Ava Golder presented her with flowers on behalf of the membership.

Jeanne was also the “den mother” of Lewiston Public Works. From soups to cookies, she made treats for employees, especially drivers who worked long hours in inclement weather. She joined employees for holiday parties, and former Public Works Director Dave Jones and current Director Mary Ann Brenchick often visited her.

Jeanne was genuine toward people, brightened any room with her presence, and embraced friendships with a fierce loyalty.

Her neighbors on No Name Pond embraced her friendship as well — inviting her to supper, checking on her during storms, taking her for errands, and sharing conversations pondside. The neighbors’ dogs immediately ran to Jeanne when she was outside.

My co-worker, Janet Labbe, remembers Jeanne talking about the importance of reaching out to others no matter one’s age, and City Administrator Heather Hunter says it’s important to note that no matter what challenge the city has faced, Jeanne always supported Lewiston in a positive manner with kind words.

In closing, Jeanne’s passing has left a void in my heart, and I’ll miss her calls that always began with “Hi, honey.” We shared countless visits by the pond and worked on her computer together, and I will cherish her friendship cards.

I will never forget hearing about her life, her love of family, belief in youth, joy in gardening, how much she loved living by the pond, and especially her wise advice. Conversations about her faith in God and heaven were priceless, and I look forward to one day seeing her again.

Who was Jeanne Raymond? She was a Lewiston treasure who graced the lives of others.

Former LYAC member Brea Mathieu expresses the sentiment of all who knew her, “I’m glad I got to have her in my life.”

R.I.P., Jeanne.

Dottie Perham-Whittier is community relations coordinator with the city of Lewiston and advisor to the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council.

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