Obituary of Raymonde Harrell

Raymonde “Raye” Thuot Harrell, 79, of Ewing Township, NJ, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Raye was born in Somerville, NJ, and often shared memories of her childhood, especially her time in 4-H. She graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School in 1964 and received her bachelor's degree from Trenton State College, where she met her husband, Bruce. She went on to become a second-grade teacher at Wicoff Elementary School in the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District, where she spent many years doing what she truly loved.

She found happiness, doing the things she loved and giving to others. A few of her many hobbies were sewing, reading, gardening, baking, looking for shells on the beach, and bringing people together. She loved to entertain, shop, and travel, always finding joy in both the big moments and the small ones. Her creativity was contagious and something her children and grandchildren will carry on. 

Above all, Raye was devoted to her family and friends. She was a loving wife, a caring mother, and a proud grandmother, willing to get up before 6 am to make breakfast, assist with parent drop-off and pickup, or just getting that one last thing our family needed. She was also a special and dear friend to many. She had a generous heart, a warm presence, and a way of making people feel comfortable and cared for. She will be deeply missed.

Daughter of the late Henri and Mathilde (Lucy) Thuot. She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce W. Harrell, of 50 years and her beloved daughters and their families. Renee and Michael Farrar, and their children Samuel and Kayla. As well as Jessica and Eric Glover, and their children Alison and Connor. And her sister, Jaqueline, and her husband, Francis Vedder and their children and families. 

Honoring her wishes, services will be private. If you’d like to remember Raye, take a quiet moment for reflection, prayer, or simply do something kind for someone else.

Giving back was important to her, and she continued to volunteer at local libraries and with Special Olympics of New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics of New Jersey, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 or to Feeding America, 161 North Clark Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601.