Nadine Louise McManus Rafferty
Nadine Louise McManus Rafferty
Nadine Louise McManus Rafferty, 93, of Michigan, died peacefully October 12. She was born March 29, 1919, in Mesick, Mich., to Mable (Wright) Mann and Walter Mann.
Mrs Rafferty leaves a family of many beautiful children and the lives of so many touched by her love. Her children and spouses are Sharon and Robert Siwik of Newtown, Colleen Hopkins of Antelope, Calif., Walter McManus of Paw Paw, Mich., John and Colleen McManus, of Vicksburg, Mich., Donald and Maureen McManus-Green and William and Rosemarie McManus-Scamehorn of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Daniel and Susan McManus of Chico, Calif. A daughter-in-law, Sharon McManus of Idaho; two stepsons and wives, David and Judy Rafferty of Tennessee and Mark and Kathy Rafferty of Portage, Mich.; 40 grandchildren; 91 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; her nephew and family; and many friends also survive Mrs Rafferty.
Two husbands, Emmett J. McManus and John S. Rafferty; her son Michael E. McManus; her parents; one beloved sister, Marie; two grandchildren; and a niece preceded her in death.
Mrs Rafferty loved music and children. She played the violin in her youth and resumed her interest after the death of her first husband, Emmett J. McManus. After Mr McManus died, she took care of their family while finishing her education and working full time at Monarch Life Insurance Company. In 1979 she married John S. Rafferty and enjoyed 24 happy years of blended family life.
She enjoyed travel, music, adventure, out of doors, and people. Over the years, Mrs Rafferty looked forward to her annual deer hunting trips. She rode three-wheeled motorcycles, a hot air balloon, and a WWII bi-plane. She has left her family a rich tapestry of loving memories.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated October 18, with internment at Mt Olivet Cemetery, Kalamazoo Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association at mda.org; St Josephâs Catholic Church 936 Lake Street, Kalamazoo MI 49001; or Tendercare 7855 Currier Drive, Portage MI 40092.
The Newtown Bee       October 26, 2012