Violet M. Raymond

Violet M. Raymond (Age 94), resident of McLean, VA, died peacefully, surrounded by
her family, on October 23, 2024 in Arlington, VA.

Vi is survived by her son, Jeff Raymond (Val) of Phoenix, AZ and her daughter, Laurie
Raymond Benson (Chris) of Beaufort, SC: and her six dearly loved grandchildren
Jacqueline Raymond Witt (Jon), Kaitlyn and Brittany Raymond, Kimberly, Kristina, and
Connor Benson. She is also survived by two great grandsons, Jasper and Wesley, who
she spent time with in February. Vi is predeceased by her beloved husband, Walt, of
49 years, and her daughter, Kathy.

Vi was born in San Mateo, California to Lloyd and Lysle Marsland. Her father was in the
Navy, and her childhood included time living in California, Panama, and Virginia.
Vi attended the College of William and Mary and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She was
one of the first female case officers to join the US Central Intelligence Agency in 1952.
Vi was also passionately devoted to creating and building educational programs and
opportunities for people with multiple handicaps. She was instrumental in forming a
school in Paris for handicapped children. She also was involved in the creation of the
first public school for handicapped children and young adults in Fairfax County as well
as the formation of the Speech and Language Center at Immanuel Presbyterian Church
in McLean, VA. She believed strongly in the power of education and growth for all
people. In her later years, she was on the board for the Council of Community for
Democracies, a foundation her husband, Walt, founded. Vi loved expanding her
knowledge through reading, travel, the arts, and conversations with people. Her
devotion to family was unwavering. She was always interested in learning about the
lives of her children and grandchildren.

Her family and friends will forever cherish her love, intelligence, kindness, and grace.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean,
VA on December 6 at 2 p.m.