Marcella Catherine Rafferty

Marcella Catherine Rafferty, formerly of Philadelphia, most recently of Warminster, passed peacefully into heaven on February 13, 2026, in her home surrounded by loving family.

Marcella was born on August 17, 1932, to Thomas and Mary Hackney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from John Bartram High School.

Marcella met the love of her life, Joseph Hugh Rafferty, while working at Jordon Refrigerator Company. They were married at Saint Barnabas Catholic Church on April 30, 1955, moving to Bustleton in 1956. Together they raised six children on Bingham Street, guiding her family in their strong catholic faith, treating neighbors like family, and setting the foundation for her children to live life to the fullest.

Marcella enjoyed traveling, beginning with the annual summer family vacations to the Jersey Shore, going on cruises with Joe and the gang from Phillips and Jacobs, a trip to Hawaii for her grandson's christening, and a magical trip to Ireland. Card club every month with her girls, and hosting large family gatherings that always included her famous chocolate chip cakes.

Marcella was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Mary Jane, and great grandson Christopher.

Marcella is survived by her children, Joseph M. (Michele), Thomas J. (Luann), Kevin J. (Karen), Kenneth H. (Jane), Mary Kay (Gary Steigerwald), and William R. (Lynnette), and 17 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

Visitation will take place at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church, 611 Knowles Avenue, Southampton, PA 18966 from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Tunnels to Towers, one of Marcella's favorite charities. https://t2t.org