Beverly Favrot Himel Rafferty passed away in the loving arms of her husband, James, early Saturday morning. Her father, Thorn Himel, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, James; daughters, Charlotte and Bebe; mother, Beverly Himel; sister, Charlotte Himel; brothers, Thorn and Neil Himel; a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a legion of close friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5 pm, Friday, May 3, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Pass Christian followed by her burial in Live Oak Cemetery and a then a celebration of life party at their family home. Guests are asked to dress colorfully in Bev's honor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stand Up To Cancer – SU2C.org. The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach, is serving the family and a full tribute may be viewed and condolences offered at www.riemannfamily.com.

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Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Apr. 30 to May 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Rafferty

14 Entries

Sherri Himel

May 23, 2019

I first met Bev 20 years ago when I started dating her brother, Thorn. I fell in love with her and the Himel/Rafferty family that very day. Over the years we had our share of mishaps. Once we misplaced one of the kids in Central Park. Bev and I were told to keep an eye on the child in the red shirt. It didn't take us long to discover the child we were following, wasn't ours. He was still at the last exhibit and didn't know we had left. (Crisis averted.) At Christmas one year, our dog went flying across the yard and ended up in the deep end of the swimming pool (pure algae). No fear, Thorn's oldest son dove in and rescued her, although his wallet and shoes were seriously ruined. One of my favorite and amazing things to watch, was Bev barter for everything except for food in Cancun. As I embarrassingly walked on, she managed to get her price every time. I adored my sister in law. She never had a negative thing to say about anyone. She was more like a sister than a sister in law. We had several conversations about my guilt for surviving a very rare form of cancer, and her incredible battle with hers. I still cry everyday when I hear her name in conversation. It's impossible for me to grasp the fact that I will never see her again, or hear her voice. All she wanted was to live long enough to see her girls get married, and for them to give her grandchildren. While Bev was fighting the battle, I begged God to take me, and let Bev experience those joys in life since I already had. I will think of her every time I get impatient, frustrated, or angry because Bev didn't acknowledge negative situations (one of her favorite words). Up until the very last day, her heart was filled with love and compassion for others. She was truly a selfless person in all aspects of life. I love and miss you my dear Little Bev. When I get to heaven I'll expect for you to have the book club organized, and at least 3 or 4 projects going at the same time. Those already in heaven have no idea what a gem they are getting. All my love to the most beautiful person I have ever known. XOXO

Patsy Harlan

May 11, 2019

While I don't recall meeting Beverly personally, I did know her sister Charlotte and her brother Neil especially Charlotte whom we all called Charlie. I know this is a difficult time for all her family and friends, and I wish to pass along my deepest condolences and sympathy. We allsupport you, and know that God is with you during this sorrowful time.

Harvey Heagy

May 9, 2019

I had known Beverly and her family for many years, and she was truly a good person and a good friend to everyone. She was also quite an accomplished person, and we will all miss her very, very much! My condolences to all her family and friends!

May 3, 2019

Beverly was lovely, fun to be with and loved everyone. Bernie and I love and pray for Zenia, Charlie, Neil, Thorne Jr and her husband Jimmy, beautiful children Charlotte and BeBe. May God comfort each of you. We love you. Bernie and Brenda Dufour

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Kathy Davies Muzzey

May 2, 2019

Dear sister Charlotte,
I am so sorry for this great loss. I so enjoyed seeing Beverly when we were at our cottage in the Pass. She was so friendly and fun to be around. A wonderful life taken too soon. Take care.

katherine Hallenborg

May 2, 2019

I am so dreadfully sorry to hear of your loss. Beverly was a wonderful lady, she was giving, open, and so much fun to be with. Our family had just moved to NJ and knew no one when I was put on complete bedrest. I had 5 other children to care for and could not do any of the driving involved with suburban living. Our daughters were new friends and I called Beverly to ask if she could help me. It was the first time we spoke. For months, she carted my daughter everywhere. It was no trouble for her to treat my daughter like one of her own. She was the nicest lady. Our family is so sorry for your loss. James, Bebe, Charlotte, you are in our prayers. We send you all of our love, Katie, Ralph, David, Jack, Nikki, Miles, Ellie, and Charlie H.

Laurie LaConte

May 1, 2019

Beverly was such a gift in my life. Our friendship began when our daughters became the best of friends when the Rafferty family moved to Acton in ~2003. What fun we hadbecause life with Beverly was FUN! Always a smile and such a joy for life. The strongest impression that I have of Beverly is her love for her two daughters, Charlotte and Bebe.She was a supermom in the most loving and real way. Family and friends were everything to Beverly. I loved that most of our plans included our husbands and our kidsBev and James were new to town but they would gather groups in their home for dinners and gatherings with their Southern warmth and hospitality. A truly wonderful contrast to my New England reserve! It has been years since the Raffertys moved away, and our contact reduced to Christmas cards, Facebook messages and an occasional phone callwith the plan that we would get together when we could.I will always smile and feel joy in the warm memories of Beverly. She was one of a kind. I send my deepest condolences to the Rafferty and Himel families. What a loss for you all. Sending lots of love and prayers from the LaConte family.

May 1, 2019

Fly Bev, Fly! You will be zoomed to heaven. Thank you for leading the charge!!!! I am honored you called me friend. You will be missed. xo

Ooly LeJeune

Sent Flowers

Nanette Clark

April 30, 2019

My sincere condolence to Beverly's family and friends. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. Sending much love and prayers to the family.

April 30, 2019

Out thoughts and prayers are with the Rafferty family. May GOD comfort you all in this sad and difficult time.

Kermit and Teri Anthony

April 29, 2019

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and hope from knowing that God is close to the brokenhearted, and give them the strength to endure. Psalms34: 18.

The Staff of Riemann Family Funeral Homes

April 30, 2019

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

April 29, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family may the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn sustain you now and in the days ahead Isaiah 61:1,2

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