Maurice Raymond

FRENCHVILLE - Maurice Raymond died peacefully Aug. 5, 2013, at Northern Maine Medical Center, at the age of 91. Maurice was the 20th of the 21 children born to Florent and Edith (Bouchard) Raymond of Frenchville. He was born in 1922, attended Dewey School in Frenchville and graduated from Madawaska High School. After a short work period in Connecticut, he entered the U.S. Army in 1942, during World War II, and was in the 96th Signal Battalion which served in North Africa, Burma and China. After his military discharge in 1945, he began working for the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in 1948, and continued working for the railroad until his retirement in 1982.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marie Louise (Dufour) of Frenchville; sons, Donald and his wife, Anna Mae (Deschaine) Raymond, of New Canada, Paul and his wife, Rachel (Pelletier) Raymond, of Frenchville, Father David Raymond of Houlton, and John Raymond and his deceased wife, Joleen (Fitzpatrick) Raymond, of Frenchville; and daughters, Cecile (Raymond) Costello and her husband, Matthew and Ann (Raymond) Slonina of Lewiston. In addition, Maurice is proud of his 11 grandchildren.

Maurice took great pride and interest in his railroad career, gardening, fishing, card playing, and family. He followed his father, Florent Raymond, who worked for Bangor and Aroostook Railroad for 25 years. Maurice worked on Bangor and Aroostook for 34 years, and followed by his son, Paul, worked for the railroad for 39 years. The Raymond family had worked a total of 98 years for Bangor and Aroostook Railroad.

Maurice was also proud of his being honored for having been a member of the American Legion Post in Frenchville for 60 years.

Maurice's relaxation included fishing, gardening, and playing the card game "Charlemagne." Many trout and salmon were attracted to his "plug" fishing techniques. His gardening skills were exceptional. His care of the plants always produced ample winter vegetables. An avid card player, his favorite games were "45," cribbage, bloute, and the St. John Valley's famous game, Charlemagne. His extraordinary abilities with mathematics, made his card playing exceptional.

But, Maurice's real pride was his family. The wife he worshiped, his children he revered, and his grandchildren, his prized legacy, were his real treasures.

His Mass of Christian burial services includes visiting hours 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 8, at Michaud Funeral Home, Frenchville, and a funeral Mass 10 a.m. Friday, August 9, at Ste. Luce Catholic Church, Frenchville. Burial will be at Ste. Luce Cemetery, Frenchville, with full military honors.

The Raymond family would like to extend a thank you to the nurses and care-giving staff at Northern Maine Medical Center for the quality care given during Maurice's final days. A very special thank you is given to Dr. James Harris who took a special interest in Maurice's care and provided comfort and dignity support to the final hours.

For those who desire, donations may be made to Frenchville Historical Society; or to Our Lady of the Valley Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.FRENCHVILLE - Maurice Raymond died peacefully Aug. 5, 2013, at Northern Maine Medical Center, at the age of 91. Maurice was the 20th of the 21 children born to Florent and Edith (Bouchard) Raymond of Frenchville. He was born in 1922, attended Dewey School in Frenchville and graduated from Madawaska High School. After a short work period in Connecticut, he entered the U.S. Army in 1942, during World War II, and was in the 96th Signal Battalion which served in North Africa, Burma and China. After his military discharge in 1945, he began working for the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in 1948, and continued working for the railroad until his retirement in 1982.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marie Louise (Dufour) of Frenchville; sons, Donald and his wife, Anna Mae (Deschaine) Raymond, of New Canada, Paul and his wife, Rachel (Pelletier) Raymond, of Frenchville, Father David Raymond of Houlton, and John Raymond and his deceased wife, Joleen (Fitzpatrick) Raymond, of Frenchville; and daughters, Cecile (Raymond) Costello and her husband, Matthew and Ann (Raymond) Slonina of Lewiston. In addition, Maurice is proud of his 11 grandchildren.

Maurice took great pride and interest in his railroad career, gardening, fishing, card playing, and family. He followed his father, Florent Raymond, who worked for Bangor and Aroostook Railroad for 25 years. Maurice worked on Bangor and Aroostook for 34 years, and followed by his son, Paul, worked for the railroad for 39 years. The Raymond family had worked a total of 98 years for Bangor and Aroostook Railroad.

Maurice was also proud of his being honored for having been a member of the American Legion Post in Frenchville for 60 years.

Maurice's relaxation included fishing, gardening, and playing the card game "Charlemagne." Many trout and salmon were attracted to his "plug" fishing techniques. His gardening skills were exceptional. His care of the plants always produced ample winter vegetables. An avid card player, his favorite games were "45," cribbage, bloute, and the St. John Valley's famous game, Charlemagne. His extraordinary abilities with mathematics, made his card playing exceptional.

But, Maurice's real pride was his family. The wife he worshiped, his children he revered, and his grandchildren, his prized legacy, were his real treasures.

His Mass of Christian burial services includes visiting hours 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 8, at Michaud Funeral Home, Frenchville, and a funeral Mass 10 a.m. Friday, August 9, at Ste. Luce Catholic Church, Frenchville. Burial will be at Ste. Luce Cemetery, Frenchville, with full military honors.

The Raymond family would like to extend a thank you to the nurses and care-giving staff at Northern Maine Medical Center for the quality care given during Maurice's final days. A very special thank you is given to Dr. James Harris who took a special interest in Maurice's care and provided comfort and dignity support to the final hours.

For those who desire, donations may be made to Frenchville Historical Society; or to Our Lady of the Valley Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. 

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