Catherine Raftery Obituary

Catherine Ann Raftery

Jul 12, 1947 - Sep 10, 2025

Norwalk

Catherine Ann Raftery, 78, of Norwalk, a fixture at St. Alphonsus Church in Peru, Ohio, entered into heavenly rest Wednesday, September 10, 2025, after several recent health struggles, ultimately passing at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk.

Catherine was the oldest of Marie (Brown) and Richard Raftery's children, born in Norwalk, July 12, 1947, and baptized by the Rev. Lambillott, the Pastor at the time of St. Alphonsus in Peru. Catherine started school at St. Alphonsus, a two-room schoolhouse, in 1953. In 1966, she graduated from Monroeville High School.

Catherine was a hard worker who gently, yet directly, demanded the same from those around her. She utilized her God-given talents and abilities, as well as those of those around her, to consistently meet the needs of the church and parish community.

Catherine's love of animals was fostered at an early age, working on the family farm. The quiet time spent on the tractor also helped grow her faith and prayer life. She was also a babysitter, working with families in need, which became a lifelong passion.

In 1967, Catherine began her 20-year career at Stokely's, a former canning factory in Norwalk. All the while, she found peace, joy, and harmony by attending Mass Saturdays and Sundays, also volunteering in any and every way possible at the church.

In 1969, when St. Alphonsus School closed, Catherine started the St. Alphonsus Youth Group as an effort to keep the parish children together. Her desire to share the faith and keep children out of trouble helped many in the community. Although she wasn't musical herself, Catherine traveled to Bismarck and brought St. Jovita in to help teach and get a youth choir going for Sundays, Christmas, and Holy Week. In 1973, Catherine moved into the old convent with her sister Diane. She took advanced religion classes at St. Paul and, in 1974, began teaching the faith as a CCD teacher. She was also an Eucharistic Minister, sacristan, and in 1989 became parish facilities manager.

Over the years, Catherine worked with and for 14 different Priests. Her direct nature and genuine intentions helped them all and were ultimately endearing.

In addition to everything already mentioned, she cared for the sick through prayer chains, trained servers, sacristans, setup and cleaned for wedding rehearsals, festivals, turkey dinners, PSR teacher, vacation bible school, baseball games, Christmas programs, Halloween parties, Easter egg hunts, mowing the grounds and cemetery, snow removal, cleaning, and everything else related to grounds maintenance.

Along with her St. Alphonsus family, Catherine is also survived by her siblings, William (Beverly) Raftery, Diane (Rick) Hicks, Elizabeth "Betty" Gravenhorst, and David (Elizabeth "Betsy") Raftery; nieces and nephews, Megan (Nathan) Pifer, Nathan (Molly) Raftery, Awna (Shawn) Stark, Corigan (Vanessa) Palmer, Tyler (Heather) Palmer; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her siblings, Mary and Tom Raftery, and brother-in-law, Tom Gravenhorst.

Visitation for Catherine will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 1322 Settlement Rd., Norwalk, OH 44857. Visitation will also take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the church before Mass. The co-officiated funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Ron Schock leading service and celebration of Catherine's life. Burial will follow Mass in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 66 Chapel St., Monroeville, OH 44847.

Online expressions of sympathy to family can be made by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com

Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, Norwalk, is honored to assist with Catherine's funeral arrangements and feels blessed and thankful for her friendship over the years. As Catherine would often say, "Always with love and peace."