Born Irene McCullough in the Bronx, she moved to Stapleton in 1967, and to Great Kills in 1979.
She spent several years working for the Eagle Electric Company in Brooklyn and later at the former Holiday Inn in Graniteville.
Mrs. Rafferty loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Her grandchildren often sought her advice and support and love for her family always came first,” said her husband, Thomas.
Her son, Thomas J. Rafferty Jr. died in 1995.
Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Thomas; a son, John; two daughters, Marianne Rafferty-Luberto and Theresa Rafferty; five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be Wednesday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Ann’s R.C. Church, Dongan Hills. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.
