Rafuse, Mary E

[September 15, 1947 - August 11, 2023]

Mary Rafuse, formerly Navikas, a longtime resident of Marlborough, CT and Singer Island, FL passed away suddenly on August 11th at the age of seventy-five while visiting with family and friends in CT. She is survived by Thomas Rafuse, her husband of 53 years, her son Thomas Rafuse Jr. of RI, her daughter Amy Davis, and her granddaughters Madelene and Maybel Davis of CT, her sister Donna McLaughlin, her nephews Larry, and Eric McLaughlin of CT along with innumerous friends in CT and FL. She was predeceased by her parents John and Elizabeth Navikas, niece Linda McLaughlin, and brother Tony Navikas.

In the aftermath of WW2, Mary and her family, displaced Lithuanians in Germany, made their way to Ellis Island and on to East Hartford, CT where she and her siblings were raised. She often spoke about those early years and neighborhood friends helping her to transition to an English first language. Mary persevered graduating from the University of Hartford and then went on to earn her master's degree in English from the University of CT. She shared her passion for English, Literature, and Poetry throughout her teaching career at Rham in Hebron, CT where she was a student favorite known for her ability to infuse the curriculum with the perfect amount of humor to keep the kids engaged. In retirement, Mary & Tom moved to Singer Island, FL, returning to CT to enjoy the summer months on their boat, Daydream, in Mystic, CT. A few of her favorite summertime cruises were to Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. She also enjoyed traveling abroad and exploring Europe's narrow cobbled lanes and sidewalk cafes. Bruges, Florence, Paris, St. Petersburg, and the Amalfi Coast were among her favorites.

A voracious reader, Mary could always be found with a book or crossword in her hands. Some of her most treasured writers included Shakespeare, Chaucer, Ray Bradbury, and Stephen King. Mary also had a love for all animals and cherished the many years she had with her Yorkies, Reggie, then Harry. In Mary's memory, in lieu of flowers, you may donate to Soft Landings, a rescue organization that saves dogs from high kill shelters and finds them loving homes.

Soft Landings

Care of/Natalie Roy

1044 Trumbull Hwy

Lebanon, CT 06249