Rena Alice Raymond

Rena and her twin brother Bobbie were born in Sandusky, Ohio, on 2/2/41, to Robert and Helen Montgomery. Her father was a music teacher and imparted his love of music to Rena and her siblings.

During her years at Sandusky High, Class of 1959, she was a soloist on the synchronized swimming team and a member of the Choir. Raised in the era of Rock and Roll, she carried her love of 50’s music throughout her life and you could often find her listening to the “oldies” station on the radio.

She maintained a 30 year relationship with her girlfriends who’s husbands were all friends of Charlie’s from his college days. They named themselves the “Sweathogs” and made many trips together from New York to Florida and many places in between. Most of the girls passed on before Rena and it’s assured they will be waiting in Heaven for Rena’s arrival.

Rena was a also a person of compassion with a soft spot in her heart for the less fortunate. She spent countless days and nights volunteering at the local Pregnancy Resource Center where she helped young women deal with the problems associated with pregnancies. She maintained a relationship with many of the women she helped long after they gave birth.

Although she loved her Irish roots, for Charlies Italian heritage sake, she wasted no time in excelling at Italian cooking. She could make marinara sauce with the best of them. She loved to entertain and cook for her friends and family and hosted many parties to celebrate holidays and special events. She always gave so much of herself to others said Charlie, her husband of 53 years. Being a wife, mother to four and grandmother to seven were her most cherished roles.

Rena is survived by her Husband, Charlie, Daughters, Sherri Dolan & Susan Allen; Son, Charles III, Grandchildren: Chelsea & Mallory Simmons; Kara Dolan; Joshua Brown; Charles, Anthony & Julia Raymond; Sister; Marcia Murray, Daughter-in-law, Elaine Brown and many nieces and nephews.

Rena was predeceased by Son, Fred Brown,Parents Robert and Helen Montgomery, Brothers Lee and Bobby.

Funeral Arrangements: 10/14/21, visitation at Groover Funeral Home (Ellenton), Family only from 5pm to 5:30 pm, Family and Friends from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Rosary from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. 10/15/21, Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church (Palmetto) at 1:00 pm, Burial at 3:00 pm at Groover Funeral Home

Open House at Charles III home, 6503 Devesta Loop, Palmetto