Philomena Gemma (Raffaele) Jones, age 97 of Portland, ME passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 with her eldest son and daughter-in-law at her bedside. Philomena was born May 29, 1924 in Philadelphia, PA.
Philomena was the eldest of four daughters, born to John and Gemma Raffaele. Her parents immigrated from Italy to Philadelphia in 1910. She was born and raised in the Germantown section of Philadelphia where she attended Little Flower High School. She was very proud of her diploma. After graduation, during WWII, she worked at the Veterans’ Administration and at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia. She met her husband Jesse Jones at a USO dance and they raised four children.
Philomena continued to live in Philadelphia next door to her daughter, Judy. In 1990, she moved to Victorian Towers, a senior living complex in Cape May, NJ, where she lived for seventeen years. The “shore”, as Philadelphians call it, was her dream come true. She walked to church each morning for 8am Mass and to the beach in the afternoon. Philomena loved to host her family and friends in her home. She volunteered at the parish school and took part in activities offered in the Cape May community. She loved to play Bingo, cards, and Scrabble. She remained a devout Roman Catholic throughout her life.
In 2007, she lived with her daughter Joanne and son-in-law Stephen in Mount Laurel, NJ. She then moved to South Portland, ME to live with her son Paul and daughter-in-law Sue. She lived at 75 State Street in Portland, ME from 2011-2017. She lived in The Cedars from 2017 until her passing in 2022. She lived an active life at The Cedars, participating in all activities each day. Philomena was very appreciative of all the wonderful staff at The Cedars.
Philomena was predeceased by her son, John, her husband, Jesse, and her sister, Rita Raffaele, who devoted her life as a religious sister with The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. Sr Rita developed and supported many schools in Pennsylvania and the Atlanta area. Philomena was very proud of her sister’s accomplishments.
Philomena is survived by two sisters, Marian Manco and Jean Civitillo, as well as her many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her children, Paul and Susan Jones of Maine, Judy Kirk of New York, Joanne and Stephen Niewood of Maryland and David Jones of New Jersey. She loved and adored her grandchildren, Jennie Dulin, Chrissy Niewood, Karla Kirk, Daniel Jones, and Carri Kirk, as well as her great grandchildren Aubree, Jeremy, Leia, Kaige, Gemma and George.
Philomena’s family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude and special thanks to the wonderful and devoted staff at The Cedars who gave her wonderful care each day, but more importantly, deep and lasting relationships and friendships. The staff at The Cedars made her feel loved and cared for each day.
Donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Maine.
