Mary Ann Raftery

Mary Ann Raftery (nee Schwarz) born on December 30, 1931, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother of Church on Sunday, December 8, 2024. A devoted mother and grandmother, she cherished her roles far beyond her early career as a secretary, embracing her family and her community with an open heart. 

Mary Ann graduated from Cathedral Grade School and went on to Rosati Kain High School, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong love of learning and engagement. Her interests were diverse; she found joy in painting, cooking, reading, and caring for her many cats. Known fondly as the “Neighborhood Mom,” she welcomed her children’s friends into her home, always providing warmth and affection. A member of the Daughters of Mary Sodality at St. Joan of Arc, Mary Ann was an active participant in her faith community. She served as a Eucharistic minister at both St. Joan of Arc and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque parishes. Her commitment to bringing communion to the homebound had a lasting impact on many lives, including those she visited at Incarnate Word Hospital and Jewish Hospital. She was a Third Order Franciscan.  She was also a Certified Pastoral Minister and coordinated the Parish Help program at St. Joan of Arc for many years. 

Mary Ann is remembered as a beloved mother to Mary (Kent) Wilke, Michael Raftery, and Joseph (Sarah) Raftery. She delighted in her role as a loving grandmother to Kyla, William, and Henry Raftery, as well as Joshua, John, and Gemma Wilke. She was also a dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many, whose lives she touched with her kindness and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her husband Patrick J. Raftery, and her parents, Alphons C. and Mary A. (nee Koeper) Schwarz. Mary Ann also mourned her siblings, Richard, Eugene, Jimmy, and John Schwarz.

The community is invited to gather in remembrance of Mary Ann Raftery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at John L. Ziegenhein and Sons Funeral Homes - South County Chapel, located at 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, 4900 Ringer Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Monday, December 23, 2024, beginning at 10:45 AM.Mary Ann Raftery will be greatly missed, but her legacy of love, compassion, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her.