Obituary of Raymond L. Steen

Raymond Laurie Steen, 85, died on November 4, 2014 following an active life. Born on December 16, 1928, in Seekonk, Mass. Raymond grew up in Riverside, RI and graduated from East Providence High School in 1946. He later graduated from the University of Rhode Island, Class of 1951. Raymond found his lifetime soul mate when he met Marjorie Jane Auty and they married in 1951. He and Marjorie moved to El Paso, Texas, where he was stationed at Fort Bliss. They began to build their family in 1953 when daughter Laurie was born. Nancy was born in 1955 when they moved to New Britain, Connecticut. A move to Cary, Illinois brought youngest daughter, Susan, in 1958. They returned to New Jersey in 1960 and in 1963, returned to New Britain. In 1971, the family moved to Jackson, NH. Raymond and Marjorie returned to Connecticut in 1980. His later years were spent living in Mansfield Center, Windham, and Avon. Their final years were spent in Hartford living with their daughter, Susan. Susan was the major caretaker for the remainder of their lives. After serving in the army, Raymond worked as sales manager and director of management and development at Stanley Works in New Britain, Connecticut. While living in Jackson, Raymond worked as "The House Doctor;" at Linderhoff Golf Club; and was an associate of HOKY, USA. Raymond was past president of the Jackson Historical society. On their return to Mansfield Center, CT., Raymond was a conference manager at the University of Connecticut until his retirement. As a young teen he served as a master Councilor of DeMolay and continued to attend Chevalier reunions until his health intervened. He was a member of Sigma Chi. Raymond shared a love of sailing with his brothers and spent many summers traveling with them. He loved the ocean and enjoyed swimming and fishing with his daughters. Raymond served as deacon at the First Church of Christ, UCC, New Britain, CT. He was an energetic member of the Jackson Historical Society and played softball for the Ball Bangers, a University of Connecticut softball league. Raymond was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marjorie Jane Auty Steen, parents, Harold and Ernine Steen, siblings Ernine Linne and Harold Steen, Jr. , and brothers-in-law Harry Buker and Robert Linne, Sr. and nephew, Robert Linne, Jr. Raymond leaves his three daughters: Laurie and her husband, Brian Werling of Woodstock, CT; Nancy, of Hillsboro, NH, and Susan, of Hartford Ct. Five grandchildren, Matt Noyes and his wife, Melissa of Southington, Ct, Jessica Noyes Kovolenko and her husband Greg, of Sykesville, MD, and Jacob Noyes of Hillsboro, NH; David Werling and his wife Nedra of Altamont, NY, and Elisabeth Werling Morel and her husband, Evan Morel of Southington, Ct. Raymond's six great grandchildren brought great joy to his life: Patrick (Patchy) and Abigail Kovolenko, Adessa and Zachary Noyes; and Chad and Reese Werling. Raymond's extended family was very important to him, and he will be fondly remembered by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Velma Jane Steen, Patricia and Burton Steen, Donald and Delores Steen and Berit and Milton Steen, and Elizabeth Buker. Raymond leaves thirteen nieces and nephews and ten grand nephews and nieces. Raymond's life and spirit will be remembered in a service at Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 9:30 with Donald B. Steen, officiating. To serve as an enduring memorial, a handbell will be purchased in his memory for the Smith Memorial Handbell Choir of Smith Memorial Congregational Church, UCC, 30 West Main Street, Hillsboro, New Hampshire 03244. Donations may be made in his name to keep ringing and reminding us of his presence. Farrell Funeral Home of New Britain, Ct. is handling arrangements. For an online obituary see www.farrellfuneralhome.com