"Pat was my friend and coworker at Planned Parenthood. I most appreciate her wonderful sense of humor, evident by the whimisical photos, drawings and charicatures decorating her office. I so enjoyed the days that Becky would accompany Pat and the two would work and laugh together. I know how special family was to Pat... to you I offer hope that those wonderful memories of Pat will always warm your heart."
In loving memory of
Patricia A. Rafferty
October 29, 2006
Patricia Ann Rafferty, one of five children of Thomas Robert Rafferty and Mary McLaughlin Rafferty Wiseman, was born in Council Bluffs on March 17, 1964. Pat grew up in Malvern, Iowa where she graduated from the Malvern Community High School in 1982. Following school, Pat attended the College of St. Mary's in Omaha, Nebraska where she graduated with honors in 1986. Pat worked as a counselor at the Uta Halee Girls Village in Omaha and volunteered with Planned Parenthood. In 1988, Pat was hired as a part-time pregnancy counselor and discovered her degree in counseling and biology were a good fit at Planned Parenthood. She became a full time Health Care Assistant, a Center Manager, and in March of 1999 became the Billing Manager for Planned Parenthood of Nebraska and Council Bluffs. Pat returned to school in 2003, and became a certified insurance billing coder and a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders. In 2003, Pat was nominated by her peers and later selected as the Employee of the Year. Pat loved her work, the opportunities it provided her, and her Planned Parenthood family.
Pat loved to read, crochet, sew, and travel. She enjoyed movies, games, and adored her niece and nephew, her friend's children and her role as "Aunt Pat." Pat died suddenly at the Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa on October 29, 2006 at the age of 42 years, 7 months, and 12 days. Her spirit and wish to help others was present even in death, as she joined the Iowa Donor Network in helping to save other lives. Patty was preceded in death by her father Robert Raffety, her infant brother Michael Rafferty, infant sister Betty Rafferty, and her step-father John Wiseman.
Patty is survived by her mother Mary Wiseman of Malvern; sisters Tracy Rafferty of Council Bluffs, Becky Rafferty of Malvern, and Teresa (Wiseman)Hertz and her husband K.E. and their children Jakob and Megan of Glenwood, IA; aunts and uncles; other relatives and many friends.
Tributes
"Although I have known Pat less than a year, I will miss her great sense of humor and hilarious sarcasm. It was a pleasure to greet her every day at work--she always had a smile. It was not easy for her to face her many health issues, but she never complained. I don't know of anyone else, including myself, who would have borne it as she did. I know how much you will miss her. I do know she loved you above all. My thoughts and prayers are with you"
"Our family wishes to extend our deepest sympathy & we will keep you in our thoughts & prayers."
"Dear Mary and family, I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news on the radio. The class of 1982 was fortunate to have Patty among them. She was a cheerful person and she enriched the lives of those she touched. My prayers are with you all. Penny"
"I was fortunate to have worked with Pat at Planned Parenthood for many years. She was a source of inspiration and a true advocate for those needing assistance. Pat had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. I know how important family was to her. I hope you find comfort and strength from knowing how valued she was as an employee, coworker and a friend. It's been several years since I left Planned Parenthood, but I've always remembered Pat's kindness and caring. My thoughts and prayers are with you!"
"Mary,Tracy,Becky,& Teresa, I am so very very sorry for your loss, I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Julie "
"Dear Mary and girls, I am so sorry to hear about Patty. I am down in Texas and just read about her. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Colleen"
"Mary, Tracy, Becky, Teresa, I am so saddened and in shock when I heard of Patty's death from my sister. I have tons of great memories with Patty at speech contest, slumber parties (the early years), her and Bob Mansfield spouting off at each other and of course the battles between her and Mr. Marcusson in science! One can only smile when you hear her name! I will hold these along with many other terrific memories of Patty near and dear. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with all of you as you get through this horrible time. With much affection, Traci "