Dr. Joan Raymond

02/01/1936-02/22/2017

Dr. Joan Raymond, age 81, went to her eternal rest on Feb. 22, 2017 at her home in Melbourne, FL after a year-long battle with cancer. Beloved daughter of the late Ray and Nina (Steele) Duck; loving youngest sister of siblings Paul Revere Duck, Harvey Norris Duck, James Duck and Peggy Earle, all of whom preceded her in death; she was a beloved Aunt and Great Aunt to many. Joan also leaves behind her faithful canine companion, Zee, a wonderful group of caring friends in her Melbourne community, as well as lifelong friends in Chicago and Indianapolis.

Joan received her BA from Ripon College (WI), her MA from DePaul University and her Ph.D. in School Administration from Northwestern University. A lifelong educator, Dr. Raymond began her career as a high school teacher and principal in the Chicago Public Schools moving up to an assistant superintendent concentrating on budget and desegregation. She served as superintendent of the Yonkers (NY) Public Schools, Houston (TX) Independent School District, Elmhurst (IL) Community School District, and South Bend (IN) Community School Corporation. She brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to every school district she led making a difference in thousands of children’s lives.

Dr. Raymond was nationally recognized as an expert in school district budgeting and in school integration. She was a respected lecturer and speaker in the field of education. She was named to the list of "100 Top Executive Educators" in North America 4 times. Joan continued to support the educational institutions she attended and received Distinguished Alumni awards from Ripon College, DePaul and Northwestern Universities.

During her retirement, she strived to make a difference in her community volunteering as a court mediator for Brevard County, serving as an expert witness in several educational cases, presiding over the Wyndham Home Owners’ Association, as well as supporting the Brevard Humane Society.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for February 28 at 12:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Viera, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brevard Humane Society or Weustoff Brevard Hospice & Palliative Care would be appreciated.

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