Raymonde Arndt

Raymonde M. Arndt, aged 88, peacefully passed away on October 20, 2023, at Pilgrim Manor of Covenant Living in Cromwell. She was born Marie Raymonde Marcelle Deveault on July 6, 1935, on a farm outside the village of Saint-Léon-le-Grand, Quebec, Canada, to her parents, Arthur and Corinne (Paille) Deveault. She would often tell stories of her childhood growing up in Quebec. She remembered the frigid winters spent huddled around the radio listening to hockey games and ice skating on nearby ponds. Joyous family gatherings, filled with the musical tunes of her aunts and uncles, brought laughter and celebration into her life. As she grew up, Raymonde moved to the nearby town of Louiseville, where she joined several family members in working at the local mill. In 1954, her journey led her to New Britain, Connecticut, where she resided with her sister Lucille. She began working in a textile mill sewing buttons and dedicated herself to evening classes to learn English. It was while living in New Britain when she met the love of her life, Richard Arndt, through her sister Lucille. They embarked on their journey together, exchanging vows on July 14, 1956. Soon after, they moved to Plainville and started a family, welcoming their son, Brian, into the world less than two years later. Raymonde's culinary talents led her to the Oasis Restaurant in Farmington, where she worked as a cook (although she always modestly referred to herself as such) from 1960 to 1988. Late nights were spent preparing delicious dishes and ensuring the restaurant was spotless, all the while forging cherished relationships with patrons and colleagues. She took particular pride in her pizzas and the Marsala wine that she used to flavor their crusts. In 1988, after years of dedicated work, Richard and Raymonde retired and relocated to Orlando, Florida, where they resided until 2007. Their final years were spent in Plantsville, Connecticut, and later at Covenant Living in Cromwell. Raymonde had a deep love for soap operas, golf, and football. She cherished moments spent listening to country music, with Ray Price and Loretta Lynn as her favorites. Her family was her greatest joy, and she relished spoiling her grandchildren. Raymonde is survived by her daughter-in-law, Marcia Arndt of Loxahatchee, FL; two grandsons, Daniel Arndt and his fiancé, Thomas Yantus of Manchester, CT, and Christopher and his wife, Allison Arndt of Petaluma, CA; a special cousin, Cecile Paille of Saint-Edouard-de-Maskinongé, Quebec; and numerous nieces and nephews in the United States and Quebec. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Richard, in 2018; her only son, Brian, in 2020; her parents; and her three siblings and their spouses: Florian (Ursule), Rene "Joe" (Maria), and Lucille (Cece) Carlucci. The Arndt family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Covenant Living for the exceptional care they provided during both Richard and Raymonde's final years. Raymonde's memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched throughout her remarkable life. In accordance with Raymonde's wishes, services will be private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewBritainSagarino.com for the Arndt family.