PALM HARBOR, FL: Patricia Marie (Bowes) Raynes, a longtime resident of Salem, died on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 in the Sun Coast Hospice center, Palm Harbor, Florida with family members by her side.
Born in Charlestown, MA on October 17, 1926, she was the second child of the late Thomas and Eleanor (Nellie) Bowes. She moved to Salem at an early age, where she attended St. Mary’s School and later, Salem High School. After graduating from high school, Patricia went into nurses training at the Salem Hospital School of Nursing. It was during World War II, and Patricia joined the Cadet Nursing Program, fully anticipating that she would soon be part of the war effort. The war ended just before she graduated, however, and she remained a civilian, offering her service as a registered nurse for many years at Salem Hospital, and later, as a school nurse for the city of Salem. It was during the early years in training that she met and married Richard “Dick” Raynes, also a Salem resident and member of the Salem Police Department. Dick had just returned from a tour of duty in Europe, and they settled down, eager to begin their new life together. They lived in Salem throughout their working years, and moved to Palm Harbor, Florida in their retirement years.
Patricia’s love and generosity were evident in all that she did for her family and for her friends. Her TLC as a nurse carried over into her personal life, where she would offer food, friendship and help whenever she saw the need, caring for family members who were ill and opening her home to her sister, Linda, when their mother died. As a talented craftswoman, she made many beautiful dolls, quilts, wall hangings and other cherished items which she gave to her lucky friends and family members. She donated many quilts to worthy causes as well. Patricia was also an accomplished pianist who spent many hours at her piano filling the house with old favorites and classical pieces, and providing music for social gatherings at her residential development in Florida.
Patricia took great joy and pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout her life. She enjoyed being with them whenever she could, and sharing their photos and accomplishments with friends, siblings and other family members. She is survived by three sons, Richard Raynes and his wife Dorothy, Mark Raynes, and Michael Raynes. She is also survived by her caregiver and former daughter-in-law, Elaine Bessemer. Patricia’s grandchildren, Tristan, Mariah, Mark, Cheyenne, and Elizabeth, and her great-grandchildren, Miles, Rowan and Soliel will miss their Nana, as will Patricia’s brother and his wife, Robert and Millie Bowes, her sister, Elinor Morency and her husband, David, her sister-in-law Joan and her husband, Chuck Gilligan, and her brother-in-law George Raynes and his wife, Laura as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, and other extended family members. Patricia was predeceased by and greatly missed her sister, Linda Aucone and her brother Tom Bowes.
There will be a memorial service on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the Curlew Hills Funeral Home in Palm Harbor, FL.