Raylean Marie Penrose Bledsoe

Raylean Marie (Penrose) Bledsoe, 72, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the Katzman Family Living Center, Chelsea, MA, on February 6, 2022 in the arms of her loving son, Corey, with Jerrilyn by his side. On Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Raylean accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior while holding hands with Corey and her sister Irene. She was the third of five children born to the late Raymond Penrose, Sr. and the late Gwendolyn Penrose Francis; Ronald (deceased), Irene, Raymond Jr., and Karen. She was blessed with two children, Vanessa (deceased) and Corey. Years later, another blessing dropped into her life, Jalen, her first and only grandson.

Raylean was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on the cold winter day of January 4, 1950. Growing up in Cambridge, she attended Blessed Sacrament elementary school and graduated from the Rindge Technical program in Cambridge. She was a member of the Red Diamonds track team (AAU) coached by Mrs. Agnes Wheaton. July 4th marked a highlight of the summer when “the Penrose’s” took home the prize winning Keds sneakers. Well, dad and mom had smiles on their faces to see boxes under our arms! Raylean liked to skate on the man-made ice rink in Hoyt Field after school, as long as she got there before the boys with their hockey sticks. She wasn’t quite fond of being on “Scarzy’s” marching drill team, but she gave that twirling baton a run for the money!

Raylean was a 30 year veteran in the security industry before retiring her badge in 2018 as Site Supervisor. She had been a South Shore Security employee and was promoted to Site Supervisor at the Mirant Power Plant (formerly CommElectric) in Cambridge, MA. As stated in a South Shore Security Employee Spotlight newsletter, “Raylean was the obvious choice for the position when South Shore Security acquired the account in 1998.” Working at two plant locations, Blackstone Street and Kendall, she oversaw the staff of security officers who provided the plant with 24-hour coverage, 7 days a week. During a 5 year reconstruction of the Mirant Power Plant (Kendall Square) that brought scores of people through the site each day, including contractors, construction workers and delivery personnel, it was Raylean who greeted them. She established great relationships with all those people with her hospitable demeanor and thorough knowledge of the site. She got to know everyone who she passed through the gates and everyone knew her! She loved her job and ran a tight ship. All knew who was in charge of gaining entrance to the grounds of the Power Plants at Blackstone Street and Kendall Square. She would say “if you don’t have the right credentials then you ain’t getting in here”! She was respected, admired and people loved her sense of humor. Raylean was the go-to person, she was the boss lady who provided valuable communication to clients and South Shore Security management. She utilized her outstanding memory and organizational skills and met the special challenges of a career in security that she loved. In fact, the company’s “minuteman” logo was a perfect symbol for Raylean, as she was on-call and ready to fill in whenever needed.

Raylean enjoyed crossword puzzles, buying lottery tickets, going to the movies, eating out and day trips on the casino bus or boat, especially with her aunt Lil and Veneta. Her dancing skills were unique - not giving a hoot about showing off her ‘chicken legs’ as long as she was having fun with family and friends. Flying high in the sky was not on her favorites list. However, she mustered up the courage and flew to Rio de Janeiro Brazil for carnival; she had a blast!

Raylean is survived by her devoted son, Corey (Jerrilyn, fiance’), amazing grandson, Jalen (Emily, fiance’) of Cambridge; her siblings, Irene Ferriabough of Boston, MA, Raymond Penrose, Jr. of Pembroke, MA (Liz), Karen Penrose-Lightfoot of Cambridge, MA (Dennis), godson, Raymond Thomas Penrose of Cambridge, MA, uncles, Moses Moore of Cambridge, MA and Robert Pierce of California. Also leaves to celebrate her homegoing are nephews, nieces, cousins and friends and loved ones. There’s no doubt that her mother was waiting at the pearly gates with open arms, hugs, kisses, and probably asked “did you bring me any scratch tickets”!

In Lieu of Flowers or Fruit Baskets, please make donations in the name of Raylean (Penrose) Bledsoe c/o Katzman Family Center for Living, 17 Lafayette Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150

Live Streaming Feb 23, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5255289783?pwd=bFF4ZzF5bEpLWlQ4clpIUE5VOFlsUT09

Meeting ID: 525 528 9783

Passcode: 670295

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