Monday, February 23, 2009

Mae Roche Raymond 1915-2009


Obituary : Mae Roche Raymond
Mae Roche Raymond, wife of the late Robert J. Raymond of Naperville, IL, died at home surrounded by her family on Monday, February 23, 2009.

She was born in Davenport, IA on May 11, 1915 to John and Edith Anderson Roche. Her family liked to jokingly refer to her as the "Iowa Corn Queen", a title she won in a contest sponsored by local Iowa merchants. Her prizes included a traveling wardrobe and a trip to New York City. She met her dear Bob on a blind date set-up by her sister Margaret. Mae was a senior in high school and Bob was a freshman at St. Ambrose College. After their marriage in 1938 they met their soon-to-be lifelong friends Lorayne & Phil Flynn.

The Raymonds moved to Naperville in 1943 when they purchased the former Schwartz Lumber Co. They built their family home on Hobson Road in 1947 on land that they acquired from Walter Fredenhagen. The Flynns soon joined the Raymonds in Naperville and constructed their house next door on another part of the Fredenhagens' property. Mae devoted her life to her husband and her five children and thus became an 'accidental' horsewoman. She was a charter member of The Naperville Saddle Club and supported her family at horse shows and trail rides where she often served as lead rope holder, trailer-loading assistant or camp chef/nurse. Mae & Bob retired to their patio home at Tabor Hills in 1998 and Mae was able to enjoy her final years at home due to the loving care she received from her faithful care-giver, Merideth Villarin.

Mae is survived by her five children, Dolores (Michael) Marusha of Fripp Island, SC, Marilynn (Joseph) Vannucci of Bethel, CT, Barbara (Thomas) Jansz of Elizabeth, IL, James of Naperville and Robert of Columbus, MS. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Nancy Creel, Susan Bentlage, Mary Pat Martin, Kathleen Vannucci, Maureen Vannucci, James Raymond, Jr; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Powers; and her brother, John Roche.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the SS. Peter & Paul School Development Fund.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 AM at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, IL with interment at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL. Visitation Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 11:00 AM at SS. Peter & Paul Church. Arrangements were handled by: Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home

44 S. Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60540