Obituary of Joyce Eleanor Rafuse

Joyce Eleanor Rafuse, age 87, passed peacefully at home with family on June 17, 2016, after an aggressive illness following a decade of dealing bravely with many health challenges. Born in New Ross, NS, she was the daughter of the late Emerson and Sadie Leopold. Joyce began her young life as a teacher in many rural schools, including the one-room school on isolated Ironbound Island. Steadfast and committed in her love and in her faith, she was generous of her time and energy to many volunteer activities which included teaching Sunday School for many decades, and donating what she could to a multitude of charities. Joyce raised ten children – never raising her voice, nor her hand. She was known for her quiet kindness, her thoughtful intellect, wit, and fair-mindedness. Even with ten children and all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she remembered every birthday, and always with a thoughtful gift. While her travel in real life was somewhat limited, she found adventure in her own world of books, which she enjoyed as the local Bookmobile's "best customer". Cherished and mourned by her lifelong friend and husband of nearly 67 years, Sheldon Rafuse; her wealth of children, Chris (Dan), Michael (Virginia), Lana (David), Jan (Rod), Carla (Michael), Kevin (Cathy), Kelly (Larry), Byron, Graeme, and Tyler (Pam); beloved grandchildren Jael, Aidan, Rowan, Adam, Kristian, Simon, Katie, Robyn, Amber, Parker, Brett, Spencer, Patrice, Nicola, Lucy, Kalee, Matthew and Melissa, as well as their partners and families; great grandchildren Jett, Declan, and Briar; many extended family members and friends. Joyce is survived by her sisters Phyllis, Erma (Bill) and Jeanne (Foster); brothers Robert and William (Vivian); sisters-in-law Elaine (Doran), Marjorie and Bonnie. Joyce was predeceased by her brother Freddy, sister Kaye (Floyd), twin brother and sister in infancy, daughter-in-law Suellen, sister-in- law Shirley, brother-in-law Rollie; many of Sheldon's siblings and their partners, Dean (Joyce, Praxie, Kay), Bruce (Yvonne), Delphine (Harvey), Rose (Harley) and Lynn (George), as well as brother-in-law Murray. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Annapolis Valley Funeral Home & Chapels, New Ross Chapel, 4935 Hwy 12 New Ross (902-689-2961). Funeral service at Christ Church Anglican in New Ross, on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Following the service, a fellowship gathering will be held at New Ross RC Legion, Branch #79. Immediate family graveside service and interment will take place at the Church Cemetery in New Ross. Family Flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Christ Church Anglican, 4 Forties Road, New Ross, B0J 2M0, or to any children's charity.