Priscilla K. (Peterson) Rafferty
Dec. 11, 1953 - Aug. 1, 2011

SOUTH BEND - After courageously battling a rare form of cancer, leiomyosarcoma, for over three years, Priscilla Kay Rafferty, 57, of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 1st surrounded by her closest family members. Priscilla was born December 11, 1953, in South Bend, to Betty (DeRuyver) and Glenn Peterson and was a lifetime area resident.

On September 27, 1980, in South Bend, as Priscilla K. Peterson she married Michael S. Rafferty, who survives. Also surviving are her children, Caitlin A. Rafferty of Chicago, IL and Ryan M. Rafferty (fiancée Jenna Rogers) of Brooklyn, NY; her parents, Betty and Glenn Peterson; one sister, Pamela Rhodes (Ron) of Owensville, IN; and two brothers, Dennis Peterson (Amy) of Elkhart, IN and Scott Peterson (Christina) of Oakland, CA.

Throughout her life Priscilla took on many roles: loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, coach, teacher and inspiration. Whether in the stacks of Darden Elementary library teaching and mentoring children, her experience opening and managing retail ventures throughout the Midwest, coaching aspiring dancers at Clay High School or simply taking the time to listen Priscilla was always thoughtful, respectful, and dedicated. It was rare to meet such an open-hearted, creative and giving individual. Her gifts were many and she will forever be missed. What a beautiful difference one single life made.

A celebration of Pricilla's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 7th, in Clay Church, 52866 Ironwood Rd., with Rev. Herb Buwalda officiating. The family will receive friends in the church on Sunday from 1:30 until the time of service at 3:00 and for fellowship immediately following the service at the Clay Church South Campus, 17646 Cleveland Rd.

Memorial contributions may be made to Foundation for Women's Cancer, 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 2528, Chicago, IL, 60606-4703; or to Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North and Crematory is handling arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Source: FindAGrave.com

06/02/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96897435/priscilla-k-rafferty