Raymond Armand Berthiaume passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, in Hendersonville, NC, after a long life made full through his humor, creativity, and insightful conversations.

He was born in Hartford, CT, to Marie (Rose) Cayer and Armand Berthiaume in 1931. His stepfather, Howard Bent, also became an important part of his life from his mid-teens onward.

He felt called to the Catholic priesthood early in life and began his studies in faith and ministry while still in high school. After completing his studies at St. Thomas Seminary, he was ordained a priest at the age of 27.

He joined the Glenmary Home Missioners and served seven church communities over the 18 years of his priesthood. Toward the end of his time as a priest, he pursued a master's degree in counseling psychology at the University of Mississippi. He then moved to Memphis, where he connected with many groups that reflected his diverse interests in social justice, art, and religious philosophy, including Pax Christi, Artists' Link, Rivendell, St. Patrick's, Grace-St. Luke's, and the Sunday Lunch Bunch, among others. He had three children: Brian, Chris, and Rachel Berthiaume.

He lived in Memphis for nearly 50 years, holding a wide range of jobs, including work as a counselor, carpenter, and electrician. Ray was passionate about intellectual and artistic pursuits. He was a man of profound curiosity, immense imagination, and a deep commitment to peace and justice. He also loved to laugh and make others laugh.

Toward the end of his life, he was eager to meet God and ask the questions only he could ask. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and brother, Richard R. Berthiaume. He is survived by his children; six grandchildren (Emma, Owen, Lily, Ruby, Joanna, and Thomas); eight nieces and nephews (Rick Berthiaume, Robert Berthiaume, Denise Wojteczko, Raymond Berthiaume, Roger Berthiaume, Dayna Ahern, Deborah Hagenow, and Ronald Berthiaume); and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A service will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Memphis, TN, on Saturday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m.