Maxine Rafferty, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother known for her strong, fun-loving and humorous personality, left us on November 23, 2024, at the amazing age of 100. Born on August 18, 1924, Max lived her life to the absolute fullest and left an unforgettable impression on everyone she met. Of all the things she loved in this world her family, especially her great grandbabies, lit up her life and filled her heart.
Preceded in joining the Lord: mother & father, Edward & Mary Chassee; her beloved daughter, Karen; and her son, David.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 77 years, Richard R. Rafferty; precious daughter, Anita (Tom) Quinn; grandchildren, Dan (Danielle) Quinn, Karen (Steve) Privasky, David (Kristen) Rafferty and Ashley (Jason) Kusmanoff; great grandchildren, Caroline, Allie, Quinn, Max, Jake, Lucy and Porter. Her departure leaves an unfillable void in our lives, yet we find comfort in the 100 years of memories and everlasting love we shared.
Max worked at Michigan Bell, was a member of the Child Study Club, Women’s Club and a faithful volunteer for 35 years at the Nellie Clements Guild at Butterworth hospital where her tenderness and compassion was a comfort to so many people. However, her true passion belonged to her family, and she would always say the best time of her life was at home raising her children. She enjoyed traveling, square dancing, yard work and of course her golf which she played till the age of 92. She never passed up a good casino, a cute man to flirt with or a chance to make you laugh the only thing she wasn’t was boring.
A special thank you to our God sent caregivers, Cindy Anderson and Susan Maccardini, Holland Home, The Breton Woods Rehab team and Corewell Hospice who showed so much love and compassion to us all.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 628 Diamond Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 on December 5th, 2024, at 1:00pm with visitation one hour before service and luncheon to follow. Donation can be made in her name to The Catholic Central Fund.
2 Responses
Rest in Peace… wonderful to have known Max on the IHM golf league. So fun and never had a loss of words to share.
Donna DeBoer
Dick, I never met your wife but knowing you she must have been a heck of wife and mother. So very sorry for your loss. It is such a great time in the fall at the Ross’ cabin after Labor Day and its always a pleasure to sit around the fire with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob and Todd Malec