In Memoriam - LYAC "Official Grandmother" Jeanne Raymond

Jeanne Raymond, a Lewiston resident, followed the efforts of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) for so many years, the group eventually proclaimed her as the “official grandmother” of LYAC. She encouraged every member on the youth council – supporting their ideas, aspirations, projects, activities, and plans for the future.  Jeanne referred to them as "my kids."

She believed that youth were the hope of Lewiston’s future and talked about their contributions to whomever she met! She also regularly made them homemade cookies--that were a huge hit--and welcomed them to her home on No Name Pond at the close of an LYAC year of service! 

December 8, 2022, was the date of the last LYAC event that Jeanne attended: “Be Kind to Your Mind . . . Mental Health Awareness," where Vice-Chair Ava Golder presented her with flowers on behalf of the group.

Jeanne passed away on March 18, 2022, and both former and current youth council members promptly shared memories and gratitude for Jeanne’s input in their lives. Below are a few of the comments.

Hana Elabe: “Rest easy, Grandma Jeanne. You will be missed by so many.”

Ryleigh Emmert: “May Jeanne’s sweet soul rest in peace.”

Cadence Nadeau: “She lived a beautiful life. Just makes us remember to stop and tell our people that we love them before we can’t.”

Keira Potvin: “My heart hurts to hear this.”

Elissa Nadeau: “I’m going to miss her so much! She was a joy to be around.”

Carolyn Adams: “Such a precious smile on her face.”

Marcus Talerico: “Rest in peace, Jeanne.”

Hope Rubito: “My heart is broken.”

Brea Mathieu: “I’m glad I got to have her in my life.”

Damon DeWitt:  She was "honestly one of the most genuinely sweet people I've ever had the privilege of meeting."

December 8, 2023 - Jeanne's Last Event with LYAC