of Arthur passed away at the Palmerston and District Hospital, on Sunday, August 2, 2020 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Wilfred Raftis (1969). Cherished mother of Colleen and Doug Emslie of St. Catharines and Jim and Bev Raftis of Arthur. Dearly loved grandmother of Dan Emslie (Stephanie), Kelly Shewfelt (Dan) and Steven Emslie (Victoria); Nick Raftis (Rachel), Mark Raftis and Lindsay Raftis (Kurtis). Great Grandmother of Heidi and Jake Shewfelt and Maverick Raftis. Sister of Rev. George Stortz. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by her parents James and Margaret (Kain) Stortz, her siblings Frank Stortz (Bridget), Ambrose Stortz (Sheila), Helen Walsh (Ivor), John Stortz (Mary) and Genevieve Robertson (Jack), mother-in-law and father-in-law Jim and Blanche Raftis and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Tom Raftis (Fran), Edward Raftis (Mary), Rev. Ambrose Raftis, Leo Raftis (Jean) and John Raftis (Dimp). Mom was a devoted Elementary School Teacher in Arthur and then Kenilworth, retiring in 1987. A lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, mom received the Diocesan Medal of Honour in recognition and appreciation of her dedication and commitment over the years to St. John Parish in giving of faith, times and talents (June 24, 2007).Mom was an avid gardener, fierce competitor when playing euchre, cribbage or lawn bowling. She enjoyed the company of others around her and loved good conversation. Her greatest passion was her family. We would like to thank the Royal Terrace Nursing Home, Palmerston for their care during mom’s short stay. The family received friends at the Crawford Funeral Chapel, 243 George Street, Arthur on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Due to Covid-19 a private family Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Arthur followed by interment in St. John’s Cemetery Arthur. As expressions of sympathy donations to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.