Obituary of Frances Rafuse

On Saturday 10 September 2022, Frances B. Rafuse passed away at home in her beloved town of Annapolis Royal.  She was eighty-two and a loving mother and grandmother, a dedicated teacher, and a vibrant community member, known for her love of gardening, the theatre, and a good British detective story.

Frances was born in Gay's River, NS attended school in Antigonish and later graduated from the Nova Scotia Normal School in Truro.  She taught several generations of students in Annapolis Royal during a long and successful career and even years into retirement would still encounter former pupils across the entire province and beyond.  Her flower beds were well known for the care and inspiration with which she tended them.   Her lifelong involvement in the theatre, the Historic Gardens, the Hospital Auxiliary, and her church led to a fulsome life of engagement in her community and with her many friends and acquaintances.

A kind and generous soul, Frances offered much to her family and community and those who were fortunate to have known her enjoyed many years of her company. She was a parent and a professional at a time when this was not common and will be forever and fondly remembered by her two children Rory (Marie-Claude) and Dr. Cherrie Wield (Peter), as well as Lillian (Mike) and Bonnie (Gaetan) who she welcomed into the family and her two grandsons Jean-Philippe and Philip William. She was predeceased by her husband Philip Rafuse. As well, Frances had an enduring love for the many cats who joined her in a peaceful and caring home.  

Among her many dedicated engagements was the Saint George and Saint Andrew United Church in Annapolis Royal, where she was named Clerk of Session, the first woman so designated. Additionally, she served in key roles with the Historical Gardens, the Hospital Auxiliary and the theatre, among other worthy causes and interests.   
 

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal. Funeral Services will be held at St. George and St. Andrew United Church, Annapolis Royal, at 11:00a.m. Friday 23 of  September 2022.  Donations in memory may be sent to the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, The Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department, or the Annapolis Royal Hospital Auxiliary.    The family thanks all her doctors, health care professionals and first responders for their dedicated and respectful care of Frances during her time of illness. 

*** Please note due to the upcoming storm the funeral for Frances Rafuse has been changed to Friday Sept. 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George and St. Andrew United Church, Annapolis Royal.***