Obituary of Shirley Rafuse

It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of Shirley (McKay) Rafuse, 90, of Windsor, on April 22, 2020 at the Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth. Born January 15, 1930 in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late Thomas William and Annabell (MacDonald) McKay. Her mother died when she was three years and she was raised by her Aunt Tena and Uncle Charles McKay in Thorburn. Shirley graduated as a Registered Nurse from Payzant Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1953 and had a rewarding career of over 30 years as a well-respected Nursing Supervisor at PMH and Hants Community Hospital in Windsor. She was a great mentor to her nursing colleagues and a caring and compassionate nurse with her many patients. She married the love of her life, Floyd MacKay Rafuse in 1953 and together they raised their two daughters in Windsor until his untimely death at the age of 38. Shirley was a beautiful and supportive mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie, friend and neighbour. She cared deeply for each and every one of us. She loved to laugh and joke around with all who knew her. She is survived by her daughters, Anna (David) Fogarty, Lunenburg, and Peggy (Butch) Wells, Windsor. She is also survived by her sisters, Audrey Hooper, Sydney; Carol (Jon) Mallory, Florida; and brother, Alan (Madonna Hill) McKay, Dartmouth; grandchildren, Lindsay (Jason) Wolfe, Comox, BC; Courtney Wells, Windsor; Scott Fogarty, Lunenburg; and Patrick (Fressia) Fogarty, Halifax; great grandchildren, Erik, Addison and Haven Wolfe, Devrie Wells and Lucas Fogarty; special friend and “Partner in Crime” Melinda Chandler. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her Aunt and Uncle, Charles and Tena McKay; sisters, Ann MacIntosh, Murdena MacConnell; brothers, Alex and Tom McKay; and stepmother, Helen McKay. Anna and Peggy would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff at Windsor Elms Village for their loving and attentive care for Shirley during the past three years. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert Street, Windsor (902-798-8317). Due to Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Windsor Elms Village, 174 Dyke Road, Falmouth, NS B0P 1L0. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca