Obituary of Virginia Irene Rafferty

Virginia (Pooler) Rafferty, 99, of Danbury, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday morning, April 16, 2017 at Hancock Hall in Danbury. Virginia “Gin,” was born in Orono, Maine, on October 24, 1917, daughter of the late Joseph and Esther (Artes) Pooler, and was raised in Brewer, Maine. As a young girl, she moved to Danbury, where she met and married George Rafferty, a hatter. They met at a roller skating rink on Main Street, and were married in St. Peter Church on October 10, 1935. They had been together for 69 years, when George passed in 2004. She worked at Sikorsky Aircraft as a riveter during World War II, Risdon Mfg., Bernice’s Fashions, New England Shirt Company, and Country Workshop. Gram is a legacy in our family, a true example of love, kindness and patience. She knew how to make everyone feel that they were loved for who they were and accepted for themselves. She truly lived what Pope Francis wants us all to be. May we all follow in her living example. She will be sadly missed by her son, Don Rafferty and his wife, Judy; her daughter, Patty Brown and her husband, John Zaborowski; her grandchildren, Kevin Rafferty (Denise), Keith Rafferty (Jane), Kristen McGee (Edward), Jennifer and Mary Beth Brown. She also leaves her great grandchildren, Collin, Kayleigh, Nikki and Emily Rafferty, Shaye, Shawn and Rylee McGee; her sister, Jackie Rotella; and her brother, Nelson Pooler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 21st at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Her family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Hancock Hall for the loving care they provided to Virginia for the past several years. Memorial Contributions in her memory may be made to Hancock Hall Residents' Council, 31 Staples Street, Danbury, CT 06810.