Remembering Doris Elizabeth Mills, Mother of the Raymond Family Legacy
This past February, the Raymond Family and all of us at the RFC suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Doris (Betts Raymond) Mills, (1931-2025)
Doris Betts was born and grew up on the Betts family farm on Windy Bush Road, just around the corner from what is now the Raymond Farm. In 1949, she met and married Claude Raymond in New Hope, and a few years later, they moved to Japan with the then two children, Victor and Susie, to be with Antonin and Noémi as they started the second leg of their careers. Later, Doris and Claude returned to California, United States, where they had three more daughters-- Charlotte, Leslie, and Janet. In the 1960s, the family returned to New Hope, and it was there that they welcomed their last daughter, Christina. Doris and Claude led a rich life at the Raymond Farm. The house was always filled with children and extended family. The barns were filled with beloved animals, her favorite being her horses. During the summer, the family worked hard in the vegetable garden; the bounty was enjoyed both fresh and preserved for the winter months.
Throughout her life, Doris always found ways to support those in need. She employed girls at her riding school to keep them out of trouble. She would find work for women in difficult situations to help them find a better life. Additionally, she read to imprisoned youth in Newtown and drove them to doctor appointments. In the mid-1970s, Doris married her second husband, Dr. William Mills. Dr. Mills who had nine children, most of whom were grown during their marriage. Together, Doris and Dr. Mills continued to serve their community, regularly volunteering with Meals on Wheels, caring for local people with HIV and AIDS, and donating generously to many global charities supporting children in need.
With William’s passing, Doris decided to move back into the cottage on the Raymond Farm, where she started her family 75 years ago. Doris spent her time traveling with her family. She especially enjoyed visiting the family who had moved to Washington State and the Netherlands.
Doris is survived by her brother Donald Betts and his wife Ruthann, as well as her children —Victor Raymond, Charlotte Raymond, Leslie Raymond Dolan, Janet Raymond, and Christina Raymond—11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Doris is also survived by nine stepchildren, including Mary Mills, Kathy Steel, William Mills, Karen Bechtloff, James Mills, Bobbie Mills, Paul Mills, Dennis Mills, and Neesa Ginger Mills.
Doris was a steadfast supporter of the Raymond Farm Center Project, seeing it as a natural extension of the life and work of Noémi and Antonin and their dedication to making a more beautiful and caring world. Countless times, she kept everyone focused on the significance of the RFC mission, and she was our living connection to the early days of the Raymond Farm. Doris will be sorely missed by everyone whose life she touched. We at the RFC will carry her memory in our hearts every day as we move forward.
Susie Raymond Potter (1952-2025)
Equally heartrending is the passing of Susie Raymond Potter, Doris' first daughter, who passed less than a month after her mother. As the eldest of the girls, Susie shared many of the most vivid stories of Noémi in New Hope and Japan. She, along with her siblings, has been a champion of the Raymond Farm Center project. We at the RFC will miss her spirit and heartfelt encouragement. The RFC could not exist without the care and support of the remarkable Raymond Family.