JoAnne Rafferty

SUTTON - JoAnne (Charest) Rafferty, 94, left peacefully to meet her angels in heaven on Monday, November 11, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving children to whom she was devoted.  Joanne was born in Worcester to Arsene, Sr. (affectionately known as Pelky) and Alice (Saucier) Charest on April 11, 1930. She graduated from Commerce High School and Salter’s Secretarial School.

In 1950, JoAnne married the love of her life, Richard Rafferty, Sr.. She was 20, and he was 23. Their marriage lasted over 70 years until his death. Within the first three years of their marriage and two babies, they left their city roots of Worcester and moved “out to the country” (Sutton) to raise what grew into a family of six children.

JoAnne shared a special bond with her father, Pelky, who owned and operated Pelky Oil & Heating Company and Charest Realty Properties. He imparted to her the skills of running successful businesses, including managing many multi-family rentals, a feat uncommon for women in that era. After his passing, JoAnn took over these businesses, showcasing her resilience and determination. Her sharp mind and love for politics remained intact, and she often engaged in lively debates with her son Richard.

JoAnne was employed at UMASS University Hospital for twenty-five years as a supervisor/coordinator in the inpatient admissions department while managing Charest Realty Properties. After taking early retirement, JoAnne dragged Dickie for their first official year of being snowbirds and they never looked back. For twenty years, they journeyed between their beloved Venice, Florida home and the family “compound” on Cape Cod/Eastham. JoAnne loved Florida more than anything. It was her “happy place.” It was in Venice that she became a member of the Red Hat Society and chaired many Boards. She was a voracious reader; she loved spending time playing cards with her friends, and she had a love for theater. JoAnne and Dickie traveled throughout Europe as well as Ireland, Greece, and the Caribbean. They also enjoyed many cruises together.

When she was in Massachusetts, JoAnne and Dickie split their time between their Sutton home and the Rafferty compound on the Cape. When they were in Sutton, they enjoyed being cared for and spoiled by their son Timothy and his late wife, Cindy. Tim and Cindy would cook for them and visit with them daily. Their children, Tim, Jr., Christy, and Sean, shared a special time of life growing up virtually in the same house as one big family.

They loved being the face of the Rafferty Compound in Eastham. JoAnne handled the rentals of all the cottages, and Dickie was the welcoming committee. One of their favorite events, the Fourth of July family reunion, started at their Sutton home in the early days and traveled with them to the Eastham compound, where their son Richard has continued this family tradition for many, many years.

JoAnne is survived by her children: Dr. Teresa Rafferty and her husband, Michael Hull of Worcester; Christine Rafferty and her companion, Mark Mercadante of Webster; her son Attorney Richard Rafferty, Jr., and his wife Jeanne of Northborough; and her son Timothy Rafferty of Sutton, MA. Also to be included in her list of children is Steven Trottier of Milbury, who is a grandson to Memere but was much more like a son growing up with Timothy.

JoAnne’s passing marks the end of an era as she was predeceased by her brother Arsene Charest, Jr., and her sister Marcia (Charest) Earley. JoAnn was also predeceased by her husband, Richard Rafferty, Sr. (2019), her beloved daughters Kathleen Rafferty (2013) and Lynn Rafferty (2024), as well as her beloved daughter-in-law Cindy Rafferty (2021). She was a proud grandmother of 22, great-grandmother of 23 and great, great grandmother of 4. She loved her “Miss Molly,” and she shared a special bond with her granddaughter Meredith.  Meredith would visit often, and they would end each visit saying, “See you on the other side!”

The family is deeply grateful to Christine Rafferty for her unwavering care and generosity towards her mother during the last part of her life. Christine's thoughtfulness, from the photos and bird feeders to the puzzles and ziplock bags of cookies, was unparalleled. Her dedication to their mother's well-being is a testament to the strength of their family bonds.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. 

Family and friends are invited to remember the life of JoAnne by gathering for a time of visitation on Friday, Nov. 15th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. Her Funeral Mass will be held on the same day at 11:30 in St. John’s Catholic Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

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If you would like to send flowers to these services Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 242 Millbury Ave, Millbury

www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

 Posies N Presents 508-581-4164

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