It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeanette Grace Raffan, beloved wife of Doug Raffan of Coleman, Alberta who succumbed to her battle with cancer on March 27, 2014 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre. Grace was blessed with 76 years of life.
Jeanette Grace Friesen was born on December 6, 1937 in Swalwell, Alberta to parents Arnold and Alma Friesen. Grace learned early in life to be independent and to appreciate life’s hurdles as simple challenges to overcome. Her uncanny talent with numbers yielded exceptionally high grades in school and opened the door for employment with the Royal Bank. Her positive attitude and charm complimented her natural beauty which did not go unnoticed; she won the heart of a caring young man, Douglas Raffan. They pledged their love in marriage on September 14, 1957.
Grace was the embodiment of her name – she carried herself with dignity and a generous and nurturing nature. Her family filled her heart with joy and she dedicated her spare time volunteering at various community events, crocheting, cross-stitching, camping and many nights of friendly battles of cribbage with her dear husband. Together, along with Joe, their canine companion, they traveled thousands of miles in Doug’s truck delivering cargo to all parts of the country. Her house was a wonderful home for her children and a place of laughter and bountiful feasts for friends. Grace was an inspiration to her friends, a cherished member of this community and light that nurtured and brightened the lives of her entire family. She will be dearly missed but lovingly remembered forever.
Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life include her loving husband, Doug; her cherished children, Dianne (Don) Tough of Coleman, AB & James (Dorothy) Raffan of Pincher Creek, AB; her grandchildren, Lanny (Dorianna Lanting) Krish, Maggie Raffan and Leah Raffan; her great granddaughter, Kaci Lanting-Krish; her brothers, Trev (Eileen) Friesen and Gene (Linda) Friesen both of Three Hills, AB and Randy (Susan) Friesen of Vernon, B.C.; her sister, Susan McCartney of Breton, AB; special friends, Cliff & Wendy Reiling, Brian & Darlene McKenna and Marian Wilson; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family as well as the many friends she made throughout her life.
She was predeceased by her parents, Arnold & Alma Friesen; her sister, Sharon Congdon and her brother-in-law, Jim McCartney.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 2pm at the Coleman Legion (7831-17 Avenue Coleman, Alberta). Donations in memory of the late Grace Raffan will be gratefully accepted by the Canadian Diabetes Association, 204, 2323 – 32 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.