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JANE RAFTERY Obituary
JANE MARIE RAFTERY (Age 56)
Died on Saturday, December 31, 2016, after a surprisingly sudden and grueling fight with cancer. A native Washingtonian the beloved daughter, friend and sister spent much of her professional life in New York, Atlanta and Chicago and ultimately back in the Washington DC area. Born to S. Frank "Bud" Raftery and his wife Marjorie Jane "Marge", (née Belt) Raftery. Ms. Raftery is survived by her sisters, Marjorie Jo "Maggie" Raftery, Barbara Sue "Bobbie" Raftery, Mary Ann Forbes, Virginia "Ginny" Cameron and brother J. Patrick Raftery. Warm hearted, talented, bold and charming Ms. Raftery was a specialist in HR and at the time of her death worked for The National Institutes of Health. A passionate stage performer she was often heard singing in DC area theatres and as a cabaret artist in New York City. Jane was comforted in the final stages of her life by close friends and family, her religious community and her strong faith. Visitation will be held at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Thursday, January 5, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., where Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. Inurnment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jane Raftery Go Fund Me page (www.gofundme.com/2tvmkncs).www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for JANE RAFTERY
Dan Coleman
December 30, 2023
I am remembering Jane this Dec 31 - She worked with my former wife Wency Coleman at Horning Bros in DC . She was a sweet and vibrant woman and will always remember her love and care for our daughter Becky after her birth in April 2008 - she will be 16 next April . Also remember her stirring testimony at my home church - Layhill Community in Silver Spring - she touched everyone there that am ... May our God of all comfort continue to be with you all .
Beth Messick
January 10, 2017
I simply can't imagine a world without Jane Raftery in it. For the past 35 years, you have made me laugh, cry, sing, and appreciate all that life had to offer. You were my rock in times of trouble, and my stalwart support always. I will miss you every day until my last day. What joy it was to be your friend. xo
Helene Ducharme
January 8, 2017
To the Raftery gals, and our dear Patrick, our heart is tender and full of the memories your dear younger sister shared and left us with. She was so much fun to be around.I really enjoyed meeting all of you and you mum too But, always looked forward to when Janey was in town. So much fun and Joie de Vivre. She chose well to be with you this time around, I know you miss her and that she will be joining both your parents as great protectors and guiders along the rest of your paths. It's never easy when we lose the ones we grew up with and spent so many hours with. Who help to shape the people we eventually become. But, I take comfort in knowing they will always be in our corner to guide and uplift us at every turn along the way. Much warm, love and peace to you all in this time and going forward into 2017.
Eileen Cahill
January 6, 2017
My condolences to the Raferty family. Jane was a great gal -- all of her life. God bless her sweet soul.
Emily Long
January 6, 2017
With all my love
Emily Long
January 6, 2017
My precious friend and sissy, what a gift you have been to me and my family. My girls know you as Aunt Janey and you loved us all so well. Gavin loved to talk about Catholicism with you and we loved to worship, talk, laugh, and dream together. I'm forever thankful for your presence in my life. I love you.
Sarah McKenzie
January 6, 2017
I want to extend my deepest condolences to all of Jane's family and friends.
Wendy Nielsen
January 5, 2017
I am sending my sincere condolences to Jane's family. Patrick is my dear, dear friend and I have always heard him speak of his deep love of his sisters. The Valkyries have lost one to Vallhalla.
Dan Coleman
January 5, 2017
I was very saddened to hear the news of Jane's passing . She was my wife 's former boss@ Horning Brothers and I will always remember her as a beautiful soul who loved kids . Especially I recall how much she adored our daughter Rebecca . I was so happy to hear her testimony @ Layhill Church about a year and a half ago. I recall it had quite the impact on our congregation... She will be missed but will meet again heavan!
January 5, 2017
My heart is wiith your whole family as you lay dear Janie to rest <3 I Love you all so much and feel your pain of losing your sister. You know, she will be with you all in Spirit and watch over day and night. God's Blessings to you all. Remember to take just ONE BREATH AT A TIME <3 Your cousin, Mary Colleen
Christie Pride
January 5, 2017
Oh, Janie ~ What a sparkler you were! You are so beloved! An angel in human form to many <3 I am sad to not be able to attend your services, but am praying for your family and all friends that the memories of your bright spirit would trump the deep sadness of your loss as we celebrate your arrival into the fullness of God's kingdom. You are deeply missed and equally loved ~ shine on, dear one, as you dance with the stars in the heavenlies <3 <3
George and Eileen Berlin Ray
January 5, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss of Jane. She was such a vibrant and loved person. Our thoughts and love are with you.
Susan Hastings Keesee
January 5, 2017
The Facebook "Remembering" page has great contributions and the one that makes me smile most represents your beautiful and bold singing. I will miss your spirit on earth but comforted knowing you are forever in the hearts of many. As one of your K-12 Facebook friends, I know you will appreciate my saying "See you on the flip side" remembering our joy from 45s. XO
Jennie Stamos
January 4, 2017
To the entire Raftery family, so sorry for the loss of your beloved sister. Jane is resting in the arms of our Lord. Ted and Jennie Stamos and family.
Carol Battistone
January 4, 2017
My Dearest Janie,
Life as we know it on earth will not be as sweet without your powerful, warm voice and sense of humor. I am deeply grateful that you shared your gifts with me.
My heartfelt condolences to you Patrick and your family. May you all feel comforted by the wonderful memories you created and find peace in your hearts in time. RIP Jainie, eternal love,Carol Battistone-Klayman
Susan Phillips
January 4, 2017
Jane was a one-of-a-kind person who made sky brighter, smiles wider, and the mood lighter when she was in the room. She was such a force of joy, and set an example for all of us in embracing life as she did. She will live on in our hearts forever.
Cindy Thole
January 4, 2017
Dear Janie,
Sending loving thoughts to you today, and knowing you are looking down on your family from this day forward.
To Patrick and family,
My deepest condolences.
Knowing that the memory of Jane's laughter and voice lives on in your hearts for all time, is a real blessing. I am keeping you in my prayers. Wishing you peace and the brightest memories to light your way, RIP Janie, love, Cindy Thole Loewus
January 4, 2017
To Ginny and Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your sister, Jane. I will keep you in my prayers.
God Bless,
Vicki Maxwell
Aleta Way
January 4, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Billye Stevens
January 4, 2017
We met once, and I found her a vibrant and cordial woman. My condolences to her family, friends, and co-workers.
bridgit Martin
January 4, 2017
my childhood friend, a lovely vibrant dear soul! music, laughter, joy, and love for all. the angels have another in their honor. rip Jane!
January 4, 2017
Jane you were a very special much loved woman. It was a pleasure to have known you. Betty Edmands
Chris Davies
January 3, 2017
Jane,
Like everyone else, I wish you were well and healthy and we could ring in the New Year with all our friends.
But faced with reality, I was almost relieved to hear of you passing before the end of the year, I don't think I could have started a New Year with you leaving us.
I know you fought hard, but you just couldn't wait to go sing show tunes with Debbie Reynolds! I bet it was worth it too.
Always a class act. Gonna miss you.
Gia Cerbone
January 3, 2017
May she soar with angels . . . Gia and Ray Cerbone
Heather Murchison
January 3, 2017
Dear Jane,
You were always such a gifted, warm-hearted, fun-loving spirit! The world is less bright without you. Thinking of you now brings a smile to me - thank you for that! I hope you are somewhere singing your heart out.
January 3, 2017
Dear Jane:
You will be greatly missed but you will love the welcoming arms that hold you close where you are. Aunt Do
January 3, 2017
Dear Jane, May you rest comfortably in the arms of the Lord. Pat and Jon Reed
Emilio San Pedro
January 3, 2017
Dear Jane - I will always remember the few but special moments I had the privilege of sharing with you over the years. Thank you for your warmth, your wit and the love and kindness you always showed those you were close to. You were truly one of a kind and unforgettable! RIP
January 3, 2017
All our love and prayers go out to all of you from the Monroe family. The family had been such a part of our lives together, A. L., Betty and children.
Karen Callen
January 3, 2017
What a privilege it is to know Jane!! Knowing and interacting with her put a smile on everyone's face. Jane your shining light and joyful voice will forever be pictured in my mind when thinking of you.
Amy Esten Ryan
January 3, 2017
Dear Jane, I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better. I'll always remember you as a young girl, full of talent and spirit and heart. Everyone around you was better for having known you.
Cecelia S.
January 3, 2017
I'm so glad Patrick had you in his life. The joy and love shining in the pictures he has shared of you, and the two of you together, are inspiring.
Beverly Wang
January 3, 2017
Janie- out gielscot days are long gone but the memory lives on! RIP
Our Janie
Maggie Raftery
January 3, 2017
Little Sister, Lovie, our bond of Sister Love transcends space and time. Our spirits are joined together now and always. You are Heaven's newest and strongest angel of Love,Joy and Song.
Patricia Wilson
January 3, 2017
Jane I will always remember the glint in your eye that smile and your ability to give to others so easily. Peace
January 3, 2017
The bond of our SisterLove transcends space and time, Lovie. Our hearts live on together forever. Maggie
Mary Forbes
January 3, 2017
You're my sister and my friend. Your silence is already deafening. We will miss you forever.
January 3, 2017
"...you'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine, by being my friend." I will love you forever, my Janie. Cee
Phyllis & John Schmitz
January 3, 2017
You were a ray of sunshine for your family and so many others. You will be missed.
Meghan Melvin
January 3, 2017
Miss you like crazy already.
Jason Berlin
January 3, 2017
Love you Aunt Janie
Ogechi Akalegbere
January 3, 2017
Dear Jane,
Thank you for being a lovely witness of faith and joy for me at such a young age. Thank you for all you did at St. Rose of Lima.
You will be missed and loved always!
Billy Kalcounos
January 3, 2017
Dear Janie, you are missed so very much already! The days just don't seem as bright. Love you always.
J Patrick Raftery
January 3, 2017
Love you little sister
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