Laurie Jo Raymond

Laurie Jo Ann Raymond (75) passed away peacefully August 24, 2022, with her sisters, Jan Andretich and Sandy Ewasek, by her side. Her beloved husband Max Raymond, parents John and Helen Weeman, and two brothers John R. Weeman Jr. and David Weeman, were waiting in heaven ready to welcome and embrace her.

She left behind four adored nieces:  Jenny Bracamonte, Julia Weeman, Andrea Ewasek, and Laurie Ewasek, as well as dear cousins and numerous friends. Laurie was blessed to love again after Max’s death. Her boyfriend, Gary White, preceded her in death, but his family lovingly welcomed her into their hearts.

Laurie faced tremendous adversity in her life starting when she was 15 months old and contracted polio. She wore a leg brace for much of her life, but eventually had to transition to a mobility chair. She literally had dozens of surgeries and health challenges throughout her life, including cancer and post-polio syndrome, and most recently was facing macular degeneration of her eyes. Still, she felt GRATEFUL for her life! When asked how she was going to cope with each setback she’d always say, “I’ll figure it out.” Every birthday she would go outside, look up in the sky, and thank God for another year.

Laurie earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Michigan State University. She taught second grade at John Rodger’s School in Bellaire for 32 years. She was the teacher you prayed your child would have in their life. She saw the potential in each child and celebrated it. Laurie had such a positive impact on so many lives…and she was fun! Children will remember her joyfully rolling down the school hallways with a guinea pig in her scooter basket.

Laurie was a strong, fiercely independent survivor. Even after losing Max, she continued to live alone with the love and support of many friends. Her determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity were legendary. She fought this last illness up to the end.  Laurie has glimpsed heaven many times when she has been near death in the past. She described the joy and peace surrounding our loved ones. God has been her source of comfort and guidance throughout her life. She felt he told her it was time to stop fighting and that she would be OK. Her family and friends are happy she is no longer burdened by pain or disease and is enveloped in love.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com