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RIP: Betsy Raymond

Betsy Raymond was a notable Northern California calligrapher and book artist.

From the Remembrance Service Program October 9, 2017 prepared by Nancy Noble:

Elizabeth Katherine Raymond June 11, 1946—September 13, 2017

Betsy gently passed from this life at the age of 71 in Point Richmond with her lifelong friends by her side. Born in New York to Robert Raymond, Sr. and his wife, Mary, she grew up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, spending summers on Chebeague Island, with her brother, Robert. She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in English, becoming an artist extraordinaire. She was very creative: calligrapher, photographer, printer, box-maker and book artist. A member of the Friends of Calligraphy for many years, she served on the board and contributed in many ways. Above all, Betsy was a philanthropist. She took her responsibilities as a trustee of the family foundation seriously. She was a tireless advocate of all animals, rescuing many that she found abandoned, caring for their well-being. She served for years on the City of Berkeley’s Animal Welfare Commission. Due to her generosity in funding the Berkeley Campaign for Measure I in 2002, and serving on the 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. 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. Betsy was one of a kind: hilarious, maddening, adventuresome, thoughtful, and fun. Her friends will miss her wry sense of humor, her great intelligence, and her laughter. Betsy leaves behind her brother Robert, his wife Leslie, and countless friends on both sides of the country.

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