Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bacarella Funeral Home, Inc. on Jan. 18, 2025.
Jacqueline Rae Rafko, 82 years, of
Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio.
Born June 26, 1942, in Trenton, Michigan, Jackie was the daughter of the late Harry J. and Eleanor L. (Thomas) Sullivan. Jackie was baptized, confirmed and attended elementary school at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church and school. She was a 1960 graduate of Trenton High School, where she was a class officer, a member of the National Honor Society and on the homecoming court. During her high school days, Jackie modeled for Hudson's Department Store and was Miss Dairy Queen of Trenton.
On June 2, 1962, Jackie married her beloved husband Lonny W. Rafko at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Trenton. Sadly, Lonny preceded her in death on March 27, 1999, after 36 years of marriage.
Jackie worked as a teller for People's Savings Bank in Flat Rock, MI where she won a national award for her skills in customer service. She then went to work as a Customer Service Representative at Michigan Gas Utilities, from which she retired. After retirement, she decided to go back to work and worked as a receptionist for Tenneco Automotive where she worked until she was 75.
A devout Catholic, Jackie was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe and was a member of the Rosary Warriors Prayer Group and a Eucharistic Minister. Everyday at 3:00 pm Jackie said the Rosary. Jackie enjoyed traveling and word search puzzles. Jackie had many dear friends that she enjoyed being with. Most of all Jackie loved time spent with family, especially her grandchildren. She made it a point to never miss any of their events.
Jackie is survived by three loving children: Kaye Lani Rae (Chuck) Rafko – Wilson of Monroe, Kimberly L. (William) Rafko – Caldwell of NY, NY and Paul M. (Teisha) Rafko of Monroe, five cherished grandchildren: Nicholas, Alana Rae (Tony) Garant, Joseph, Lucas, and Riley Mary, two treasured great grandchildren: Ivy Elizabeth and Savannah Rae, and three brothers: Jerry (Judy) Sullivan, John Sullivan, and Joseph (Gerry) Sullivan.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lonny, Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Nick, her grandson, Gabriel, and two brothers: Jim and Harry "Buddy" Sullivan.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 4-8 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd.,
Monroe, Michigan, 48161, where the Rosary will be recited that evening at 7:00 pm. On Thursday, January 23, 2025, she will lie instate at St. Mary Catholic Church beginning at 11:30 am followed by Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Jackie's life at 12:30 pm. Fr. David Burgard will be the celebrant. Private entombment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Gabby's Grief Center or St. Mary Catholic Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.