CANASTOTA . . .

Florence A. Raymond, 94, of Canastota, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Oneida Healthcare.

She was born on April 12, 1928, in Canastota, NY, the daughter of the late Michael and Florence (Capparelli) Argentine.

Florence lived in Canastota all of her life, and was a graduate of Canastota High School.

She worked for Diemolding Corporation in Canastota for 25 years, retiring in 1993. Florence also worked at Vernon Downs and for the New York Telephone Company.

Florence was a life-long congregant of St. Agatha's Church in Canastota, and was a devout Catholic.

Central to Florence's life was her family – her husband, sons and siblings, plus extended family meant everything to her. Florence loved to share stories of growing up "down on the muck", attending dances at Three Rivers and the White Elephant with her husband, vacations with her family, and everyday life in Canastota. Florence was extremely proud of her Italian heritage, which showed in her exceptional cooking. Florence was the epitome of grace, class, and style – a beloved mother, wife, and friend, she will be truly missed.

Florence was happily married to Richard D. Raymond for 71 years. Richard passed away on April 7, 2016.

Surviving are: one sister-in-law, Rose Argentine of Canstota; her daughter-in-law, Sunnet "Sunny" Raymond of Munnsville; two nephews, Michael Argentine and Allen Argentine; as well as several other cousins. Florence was predeceased by her sons, Richard M. Raymond and Ronald P. Raymond; and two brothers, Anthony Argentine and Donald Argentine.

Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. The Rev. Christopher J. Ballard and Rev. Nathan Brooks will co-officiate. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908, or to St. Agatha's Church, c/o Central Office, 321 St. Joseph's Place, Oneida, NY 13421, with envelopes available at the church.