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The family of SISTER FRANCIS RAFTERY uploaded a photo
Monday, February 28, 2022
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The family of SISTER FRANCIS RAFTERY uploaded a photo
Monday, February 28, 2022
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Sr. Theresa Kovacs posted a condolence
Monday, June 15, 2020
A Mass was offered for the repose of Sr. Francis on Sunday June 14, 2020 at Corpus Christi Church in South River, NJ. The celebrant was Fr. Damian Breen at the request of Sr. Theresa Kovacs.
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Sr. Theresa Kovacs posted a condolence
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Today, June 14, Feast of Corpus Christi, a Mass was offered for the repose of the soul of dear Sr. Francis at 3 pm Corpus Christi Church South River NJ by a kind Irish priest. I truly felt her presence during the Mass with great peace and joy. Pray for us too Sr. Francis and watch over us. We'll see you again in heaven!
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Sr. Theresa Kovacs posted a condolence
Saturday, June 13, 2020
PS Sr. Francis served as Provincial as well. She was very dedicated to her community a Sister of true charity!
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Sr. Theresa Kovacs lit a candle
Saturday, June 13, 2020
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Deus ESt Caritas is the motto of the Sisters of Charity meaning God is Love! Sr. Francis exemplified this in the way she lived her life! Every person she met was treated with dignity and respect young or old she embraced everyone with Christ's love. It was my privilege to have been her student in education. I graduated from CSE in1980. I recall her saying "the students who are most difficult are the ones who need you the most." That remained with me all my teaching career. Sr. Francis taught me without books by her example of charity, encouragement, humility, and hard work ethic. It was admirable how hard she worked in the many positions she had from professor to assistant Provincial in her community. She truly labored for the Lord!!! We kept in touch over the years. It was always humbling to receive a card or note from her even when she became president of CSE she took the time to keep in touch. She left an indelible mark on my life. She inspired me to truly have a passion for teaching. I became a Franciscan Sister in 1988 . She was an inspiration to that as well. May she rest in Eternal peace in the light and love of God. A Mass will be said for her beautiful soul. She was a blessing to all who's lives she touched!
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Sr. Theresa Kovacs lit a candle
Friday, June 12, 2020
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May her soul rest in Eternal peace in the Light and Love of God. From Sr. Theresa Kovacs CSE 80
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Sr. Theresa Kovacs posted a condolence
Friday, June 12, 2020
Sr. Francis was my professor at CSE. I graduated in 1980 with a degree in special/elementary ed. We kept in touch over all these years. She was so very kind and encouraging in all the many ministries she served. She inspired me greatly. I am now a Franciscan Sister and thank Sr. Francis for the many ways she touched my life and the lives of countless others. Deepest condolences to the family. My deepest heartfelt prayers. Sr.Theresa Kovacs CSE 80
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Tony Gallagher posted a condolence
Thursday, May 14, 2020
I am so sad to learn of the passing of Sister Francis. She was a great person to work for during my years at CSE. Coming from corporate America to an educational setting was made so easy by the kindness and courtesy shown by Sr. Francis. She always demonstrated fairness to all students and employees when she had to make tough decisions. She was the best boss I ever had. Rest In Peace, Sister Francis.
Tony Gallagher
(Former Director of Human Resources)
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Beth Sereno - Dailey posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Sister Francis' passing. The impact she had on my life as a Catholic woman and education was nothing short of profound. Her selfless and tireless contributions to her community and the field of education are truly like none other. I am a better woman and educator for having had the gift of having this woman as a Professor and later as a friend.
Beth Sereno - drbeth.bd@gmail.com
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roseanne mcdade posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
The Fox twins from Kearny have fond memories of Rita Raftery coaching us on the seventh-eighth grade girl's basketball team at St Cecilia Elementary School in 1954-55. We fondly remember her kindness and patience. Condolences to you Bill, our school friend. May the Raftery family have our warm thoughts and prayers tonight.
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Andrea Turk Japinga lit a candle
Friday, May 8, 2020
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Andrea Turk Japinga lit a candle in memory of SISTER FRANCIS RAFTERY
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sharon fleming posted a condolence
Friday, May 8, 2020
Condolences bill and joan and all the family . I only met sister one time but she had a wonderful life and touched many lives. Prayers
Warm thoughts sharon fleming and jim harvey
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Andrea Turk Japinga lit a candle
Friday, May 8, 2020
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God Bless Sr.Francis
I was terribly saddened to hear the news of Sr. Francis passing. She was a truly gentle, kind, gracious LADY. Sr Francis was my Elementary Education Professor at St. E's from 1969 through 1973. She was a wonderful mentor and extremely dedicated
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Johnny Holleran posted a condolence
Friday, May 8, 2020
I have thousands of memories of Sister Fran and my Aunt Sister Sheila, from Irvington to Sea Girt. She always called me Batholomew and she always made me feel special.
Sisters Fran and Sheila took me to the Army vs. Navy football game at the old JFK stadium in Philadelphia. It had to be about 10 degrees ( probably 30, but I was about 8). We took the old green Nova convent car. I don't remember the score, but I do remember she made me feel special.
Every once-in-awhile they would come to our house with a surprise from either Town Hall or Grunnings. She came to most if our family parties and gatherings. It was the little special things she would do.
Sister Fran was a great woman who made others feel great.
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Dr. Harriet Sepinwall posted a condolence
Thursday, May 7, 2020
My heart has been hurting so much since I learned the news that my dear Sister Francis Raftery has died. As Chairperson, she hired me for the Education Department of the College of Saint Elizabeth back in 1980, and was the first woman I had ever met from any Catholic religious community. I was so impressed by her! She was so smart, so kind, so intelligent, tireless in helping others, wonderful to her students, respectful of her faculty colleagues, and truly dedicated to her community of sisters; a wonderful organizer...she could make "stone soup"...something wonderful with virtually no resources! Sister Francis exemplified the charism of the founders of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in all ways that were possible. She continually helped her students and colleagues unselfishly, wanting what would be best for them, and always putting the needs of others first. I learned so much from her.... I loved it when she told me stories about her family, and I could see how much she loved her siblings and their spouses, her nieces and nephews. And, it was really special when she told me stories about her mother and growing up in Kearny. When Sister Francis left the Education Department, I couldn't conceive of how we would function without her. She returned as President of the College some years later (I wrote a letter of recommendation for her for this position, one of the few things she ever let me do for her), and she became the best "ambassador" the College could have had for this role! She "grew" the College in so many important ways. It meant so much that she supported Sister Kathleen Flanagan and me in our work in Holocaust education for public and Catholic schools, encouraged our initiatives in programming for the campus, community, and for teacher training, and she attended the programs we offered.. and really listened. She had an understanding heart and soul. She "welcomed" so warmly the Holocaust and other genocide survivors who came to speak on campus, and always told them to "feel at home." Her very wonderful friend in the community, Sister Sheila Holleran, became a special friend to me too, and I viewed both of them like wonderful "saints" who were positive and upbeat, and accomplished so much that others only talked about doing. Losing Sister Sheila was not easy. Through the years, I often told Sister Francis about opportunities for her to travel (at no charge) as a guest, including travel to the Holy Land; I thought this would be wonderful for her. But, Sister Francis always said she couldn't go, and had to look after the College; she always turned me down...but always with a smile, and never any indication that she felt she was missing out. She'd tell me to invite someone else, and she'd say, "maybe next time for me...." When Sister Francis retired as President of the College, she could have chosen to do most anything she chose as she could do everything! But, incredibly (or maybe just "naturally" for her), she chose to be a Patient Advocate at Saint Joseph Medical Center, helping the most vulnerable who needed assistance when they or a family member was ill. Over all these years, she has always kept me close to her, and I have been so fortunate to have had her in my life. My late husband Jerry died in 1998, and Sister Francis sent a mass card of remembrance every year on the anniversary of his death. Each year, she sent me and my family holiday cards for the Jewish New Year and for Passover. She attended my wedding in 2011 when I married again. I'll always cherish the photo I have of her smiling that day, with my grandson Jacob as she gave him a lollypop. I had been worrying about Sister Francis when COVID 19 struck, and I couldn't contact her. She has left an incredible legacy, and all of us who were privileged to know her will never forget her. May she rest in peace in her new home in heaven. Harriet Sepinwall hsepinwall@gmail.com
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Christopher M. Holleran posted a condolence
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Sad to learn of this. Sr. Fran was a great lady! My earliest memory of her was riding the Asbury Park, NJ ferris wheel with Sr. Fran and my late aunt, Sr. Sheila Holleran. I was a small boy inspired by boardwalk candy. When the car got to the top and paused, i kept trying rock the car, much it to Fran's "delight."
Several years ago, while serving as President of The College of St. Elizabeth, Fran was thoughtful and kind enough to spend the good portion of an afternoon with me.
Thank you Sister Fran. I am glad to have known you. Say hello to Sheila. :)
Amen.
Chris Holleran
Clovis, Ca.
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Judy Spinola posted a condolence
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Sister Francis was a ray of perpetual sunshine in my student life at St.E's as well as my professional career in teaching.She became the role model during every year of my teaching career. During each challenging moment, I would think, "What would Sister Francis do?"
Kindness, compassion, brilliance, modesty, insightfulness, understanding----All of the best qualities personify this great woman. May she rest in the peace of the Lord and receive His blessings forever.
Judy Spinola
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Nancy Cunniff Casey posted a condolence
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Sister Francis was a joyful person. That is one of the things that made her so influential. She shared that joy and challenged us to share it also. She molded a generation or more of educators and thus her joy was spread far and wide. I consider myself lucky to have been her student. Nancy Cunniff Casey, CSE '74
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Ellieen (Ancrum) Ingbritsen, Ed.D. '80 posted a condolence
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7
Sr. Francis will always be remembered as an educator and mentor that took a childhood dream and made it a reality. Her insistence on competency and compassion fostered my formation as an educator. I am forever grateful to her. May she rest in peace.
Ellieen (Ancrum) Ingbritsen, Ed.D. '80
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Patricia Thelander posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Sister Francis was also my gym teacher at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth during my freshman year. Later, I taught the same Greek folk dance I learned from her as she supervised my student teaching class as my Education professor at the College. She was the model for my teaching for 28 years, a wonderful friend and inspiration for my life. At Christmas she always wished me peace, and I wish that to her for eternity. Pat Bigley Thelander '67 CSE
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Betty Regan posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
I remember Sister Frances being the guest speaker at my Son's 8th grade graduation at St. Stephens School, Kearny, in 1990. RIP Sr. Frances,
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Thomas Briscoe posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Sister Francis Raftery was a wonderful person who came from a wonderful family. Having great parents, as her Mother Margaret and father Frank were, she was a thoroughbred! She did so much good for so many people in her life and had a great personality. She will be missed by everyone who knew. May she Rest In Peace. Tom Briscoe, Naples Florida
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Arlene Sullivan Radomski posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Sr. Francis will be remembered by me always as a talented and inspiring Prof, Sister and friend. Her influence has carried me though 40 years of teaching--her way!
Love and blessings, SFR! --Arlene Sullivan Radomski, CSE 1974
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Joyce Polio posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
What must it be like to be Sister Francis and wake up in the morning and know you are going to make the world a bit better every day. What a blessing and a responsibility. Sister Francis taught me much about teaching and even more about life while at CSE. i watched het make the world more loving and much smarter as each day passed. I owe her so much. PEACE SFR. :heart::heart::heart:
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Jo-Ann Dolan posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Sincere condolences on Sister Francis (Rita) going home. She was a beautiful inspiration to all who knew her. Her Alma Mater (St. Cecilia's Kearny) was always so very proud of her and all her accomplishments.
May she rest in peace and be happy in her new home with all her loved ones surrounding her.
Most sincerely, Jo-Ann & Charlie Dolan
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Patricia Mullin Hurd posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Sister was my 7th grade teacher at St. Thomas in Bloomfield. So happy to see her again at CSE where I was a student. Most recently saw Sr. Francis at St. Vincent Martyr at Mass. We chatted for a bit and caught up on so many things. Such a blessing to have known Sister a teacher, mentor, and friend. Rest In Peace, dear Sister.
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Pat Singiser (former Director of Athletics at CSE) posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Pat Singiser (former Director of Athletics at CSE) purchased the Small Garden Dish for the family of SISTER FRANCIS RAFTERY.
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nicholas Lang posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
Sister Francis taught me at St. Thomas the Apostle School, Bloomfield, New Jersey. It was her first year in the mission field and I adored her. May she Rest In Peace and rise in glory. Father Nicholas Lang.
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Jane Flanagan posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
My memories of Sister Francis go back to 1959, when she was gym teacher at the Academy of St. Elizabeth. I can still see her in her white novice's habit. She was someone special then, as she was for the rest of her career. A friend for all seasons, she was loved and will be missed. RIP Sister Francis. Jane Flanagan (SEA 1960, SEC 1991)
