Elizabeth Katherine Raymond

June 11, 1946 - September 13, 2017

betsyBorn in New York City to Robert Raymond Sr. and his wife, Mary. Betsy passed away from pancreatic cancer at home in Point Richmond with her lifelong friends by her side. She grew up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, summering on Chebeague Island, where she spent countless joyful hours with her brother, Robert. She graduated from Stanford in English, becoming an artist extraordinaire. 
Betsy was a calligrapher, photographer, maker of boxes and books and gifted artist. She insisted on absolute perfection in everything she created. A long time member of the Friends of Calligraphy, she was well respected and loved. Brilliant and curious, she continued to take classes her entire life, most recently studying chemistry and Japanese at her beloved Stanford. She loved all things Japanese and traveled there extensively studying art and culture.

Above all, Betsy was a philanthropist. She took her responsibilities as a trustee of the family foundation extremely seriously. She was a tireless advocate of all animals, rescuing many that she found abandoned, caring more for their well-being than her own. She served for years on the City of Berkeley's Animal Welfare Commission. Because of her generosity in funding the Berkeley Campaign for Measure I in 2002, and serving on a commission that saw to the planning of the facility, the new Berkeley Animal Shelter came to be in 2012. She was passionate about the arts, supporting many programs and museums that brought music and art to the public. If she felt an organization could make a difference, she would support it. 

Betsy was one of a kind: hilarious, maddening, adventuresome, thoughtful, and fun. Her friends will miss her wry sense of humor, her great intelligence, her wardrobe (which was mostly covered in animal hair), and her laughter. She leaves her brother, Robert, his wife, Leslie, and countless friends on both sides of the continent to grieve their loss.

A Remembrance will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 9th at Fernwood Cemetery, 301 Tennessee Valley Rd, Mill Valley.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Betsy's name to Friends of Calligraphy or an animal welfare organization of your choice.