Helen Ruth Rafuse

Rafuse, Helen Ruth, 90, of Charleston, Queens County, it is with great sadness that we announce Helen passed away peacefully at the Rosedale Home for Special Care in New Germany on Sunday, March 30th, 2014, where she recently celebrated her 90th birthday with her passionate care givers and her grandson.

Born on December 12th, 1923 in Charleston, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and Dorothy (McKinnon) Anthony.

Helen was a kind gentle loving grandmother, mother, wife, sister and friend, she made home…..home and will be remembered for her passion in baking, her talent in knitting, crocheting, other crafts and making ones close to her feel loved.

She was one tough cookie, she battled sickness many times over the years, especially of late, “I’m fine” she would always say. She will be sadly missed, but not forgotten by those she leaves behind.

She was predeceased by the love of her life, her loving husband Freeman of 60 years; her daughter Helen Joan Gillan; brother Lawrence and sister Izelda

Helen is survived by her grandchildren, Paul Gillan, of Halifax, Norma (Harvey) Hustins, of Bedford, Tanya Gillan (Nick Bulge), of Vancover B.C.; sisters, Roxie (Ingram) Johnson, of Liverpool, Edna Meisner, of Bridgewater, Myra Knox, of Brooklyn; many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral  Home and Cremation Service, Liverpool. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., from the New Charleston Community Cemetery, Charleston. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rosedale Home for Special Care or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chandlersfuneral.com