Caroline Raymond, age 92, of Duluth, passed peacefully from her earthly home to her heavenly home on January 14.

She was born in Deerwood, Minnesota, to George and Pearl Elmer, and was the youngest of seven children. After graduating from Crosby-Ironton High School, Caroline married the love of her life, Jim Raymond, on her 18th birthday. The couple made their home in Duluth, where they built a lifelong partnership that spanned 72 devoted years.

They were owners of Arrowhead Tree Service and Reach All Manufacturing, where she worked full time until their retirement in 1980.

An avid reader, Caroline could happily spend hours lost in a good book. She was a gifted pianist who played beautifully, whether reading sheet music or playing effortlessly by ear. She cherished shopping trips with friends and especially loved visiting local greenhouses with her daughter—often attempting (and never quite succeeding) to sneak new plants into the garden without Jim noticing. Her favorite saying was, “You can never have too many flowers or books.”

Caroline and Jim enjoyed many adventures and trips with friends and were always on the go. Life in the Raymond household was filled with laughter and activity—there was never a dull moment.

Caroline was a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in Sarasota, Florida, and deeply loved her Lord and Savior. She looked forward to being reunited in heaven with Jim and her beloved family.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, as well as by the community at her newest home, Elysian Senior Living, where she was warmly loved.

Caroline was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Raymond, and her granddaughter, Jessica Raymond.

She is survived by her sons, Bill (Jody) Raymond, Tim (René) Raymond; daughter, Debra (Karl) Johnson; her grandchildren, Stuart Raymond, Joel Raymond, Gina Holmes, Kara Raymond, Melissa Bell, Michelle Borson, and Jayme Malenius; and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Elysian Senior Living for the loving care and wonderful home they provided Caroline in her final years.

A family graveside service will be held in the summer