Obituary of Phyllis Ann Raymond

April 21, 1938 - Denver, Colorado

September 8, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Phyllis Raymond of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Phyllis was born on April 21, 1938, to Walter and Mary Metcalf, and was the fourth of seven children, having four sisters and two brothers. Born in Denver, Colorado, she attended Arvada High School, where she completed her education through grade twelve. Phyllis had a deep love for music, enjoying singing and playing the piano, organ, and accordion. In her younger years, she sang at Red Rocks for a television program and performed with the Sweet Adelines in Calgary.

On June 12, 1956, Phyllis met the love of her life, Kenneth Mark Raymond, in Denver, CO. Ken, a Canadian boy on a hockey scholarship at the University of Denver, was introduced to her on a double-blind date, set up by friends. This serendipitous encounter led them north to Calgary, AB, where they would build their life together. Phyllis loved working outdoors on their acreages and her favorite flowers were sweet peas and amaryllis. She was also known for her delicious baking, particularly her beloved strawberry rhubarb pies.

Phyllis and Ken welcomed four children into their family, Mark, Terry, Cindy, and Cheryl. As the kids grew up, Phyllis was always there to watch and support their activities, hockey, swimming, and gymnastics.

Embracing Canadian culture, Phyllis excelled at curling, serving as Skip and winning several provincial titles. In 2000, she became the Canadian Senior Champion in the World Masters. She made significant contributions to ladies curling and found success at various major bonspiels, including the Senior Nationals. In addition to curling, she enjoyed tennis and taught at the outdoor courts in Bearspaw Village. Phyllis made it a priority to exercise every day, regularly walking with Ken and golfing at Bearspaw.

Phyllis was known for her infectious smile and her kind-hearted nature. She cherished spending time with her loved ones, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were incredibly special to her. Close friends and neighbours were considered family. Despite living with Parkinson’s disease for several decades, Phyllis managed it gracefully, with many unaware of her condition.

She will be profoundly missed by her children, Mark Raymond (Holly), Terry Raymond (Carol), Cindy Watt (James), and Cheryl Schaerer (Kurt); her grandchildren, Mark, Todd, Jacey, Scott, Chelsey, Rene, Nichole, Nadine, Mason, JD, Sam, Sayer, Samantha, Saxon, and Sallee; as well as twenty-three great-grandchildren; her sisters, Virginia and Carolyn; and her brother Buddy.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Mary Louise; her stepfather, Jesse Robb; sisters, Violet (Barlock) and Patricia (Seubert); brother Clarence; and her beloved husband Kenneth.

We say goodbye to Phyllis, a loving mother, gramma, great-gramma, sister, aunt and friend.

“Curling was her game, and she called the shots”

A Celebration of Phyllis’ Life will be held at Bearspaw Golf & Country Club (61 Hamilton Dr, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Phyllis’ family here.

In living memory of Phyllis Raymond, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click Here to View Phyllis' Memorial Card