RAFTERY, Doreen

RAFTERY June 24, 1937 – September 9, 2026 With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mom, DOREEN ALICE RAFTERY.
Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Doreen was the youngest of four daughters born to Benjamin and Florence Raftery.
Doreen was an accomplished, self-taught musician who played piano, organ, and guitar. She was also a dedicated teacher and a devoted servant of God.
Doreen is survived by her children, Stephanie (David), Patty (Gordon), Vicky (Rick), and Chris (Amy); her sister, Sheila Arkinstall; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Dodie.”
Doreen’s adventurous spirit took her to places such as Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Europe. She tried river rafting and horseback riding, and she loved to skate and swim. She enjoyed card games, Scrabble and board games. She loved her sweets! Doreen had an affinity for small dogs and owned many canine companions throughout her life.
Mom spent most of her life in BC, living and teaching in communities including amongst others, Anaheim Lake, 100 Mile House, Langley, and Cultus Lake.
In Kamloops, Doreen played the lead role in the stage production “Hello Dolly!” In Williams Lake, she was a proud member of a local acting troupe and was involved in productions such as “Cheaper By The Dozen” and “The Miracle Worker”.
In 2006, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, where she volunteered teaching ESL at the local library. Doreen belonged to both the Anglican church, St. Augustine’s, and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Mom’s voice and music were gifts she shared generously in service of her great passions: God, her faith, and her church.
Mom was deeply involved in her church community. God and her Saviour were at the centre of her life, and throughout her 89 years she was blessed with a wide congregation of friends and kindred spirits.
We, along with all who were touched by her kindness and compassion, will miss her dearly and hold her always in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you, Mom.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 – 11 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Doreen’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Matthew 25:23 “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into your rest.”
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com