RAFA – Valerine Evelyn Rafa, July 14, 1917-October 6, 2005
Valerine Rafa was born on July 14, 1917 in Boderick, Saskatchewan. As a youth, she spent much of her time working on her parent’s farm, milking cows and baking prizewinning loaves of bread for company and church teas. She was also an awesome baseball player. She married Louis, January 20, 1947 on a cold wintery day in Outlook, Saskatchewan. She often joked about their honeymoon meal of dill pickle sandwiches. They celebrated 47 years of happiness together raising a family of seven children. Valerine was a loving caring wife, mother and grandmother. She devoted her life to her husband Louis and to her family. She especially loved her grandchildren and spent endless hours babysitting, caring for, and spoiling them. She had a witty sense of humor, spoke honestly from the heart and was always there for everyone. She was always willing to help others in need. Valerine was a hardworking, generous and giving person, who devoted much of her time to serving others with her delicious meals. Her strong faith seen her through hard times and good times. We love you so much Mom. Thank you for all your guidance and wisdom. You will always be in our hearts. Left to cherish her memory are her six children Louise (Peter) Tsimaras, Evelyn (Bruce) Bulloch, Lloyd (Valerie) Rafa, Diane (Harley) Steinley, Estelle (Paul) Chapman and Yvonne (Harvey) Yanke; nineteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren John (Lisa), Louis, Elene, Christopher, Landry, Curtis, Adrionne, Stephanie, Ryan, Melissa, Joel, Alicia, Chandra, Trisha, Lisa (Vic) and their two children Jacob and Karolina, Lyle, Andrea, Denae and Jenna; sister Katherine Conway; sisters-in-law Judy Tveter, Stella Tomasiewicz, Rene Rafa, Irene Rafa; and brother-in-law Stan (Pat) Rafa. Valerine was predeceased by her loving husband Louis; daughter Faye; parents John and Mary Tomasiewicz; four brothers Victor, John, Louie and Stanley; two sisters Clara Tomasiewicz and Sophie Knapik; three nieces Mary Conway, Donna Rafa and Lorraine Rafa; one nephew Roy Conway; sister-in-law Caroline Rafa; brothers-in-law John Conway, John Knapik, Bernard Tveter, Adam Rafa, Frank Rafa and Steve Rafa. God grant them all eternal peace. A Prayer Service was held Monday, October 10. Prayers were recited by Linda Conway. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, October 11, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Oyen, Alberta. Officiating Clergy was Reverend Father Vincent Ha. Organist was Denise Stolz and Pat Didychuk was the soloist. Valerine’s god children Jean Halverson and John Rafa were the readers. A tribute was given by Andrea, Danae and Jenna Yanke. Pallbearers were John Tsimaras, Louis Tsimaras, Ryan Steinley, Lyle Chapman, Landry Rafa, Curtis Rafa, Joel Steinley and Christopher Tsimaras. Honorary Pallbearers were Valerine’s grandchildren and all those in attendance who cared and shared in her life. Memorials tributes may be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society, #102 – 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8; St. Peter & St. Paul Restoration Fund, Box 165, Acadia Valley, Alberta T0J 0A0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Following the interment at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Cemetery, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Acadia Valley Catholic Women’s League in the Acadia Valley Community Hall. MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.
