Andrew Raffaele
IN MEMORY OF: Mary Ann (Micki) Raffaele
July 31, 1953, to November 11, 2024, 71 years of age.
This is my attempt to tell the story of Micki’s life with me. Her integrity and loyalty to family and friends were unmatched. Her loyalty completed me. She could recite her friends' family relationships (that's her uncle, aunt, cousin, and so forth). I would find myself asking quite often, “Who is that person?” Micki was a people person. She was warm, outgoing, and an excellent listener.
She was funny and was not afraid to poke fun at herself. She would tell me that's what attracted me to her because I could make her laugh. It was the little things like hiding each other's chocolate only to find each other's hiding place when one of us ran out. She was spontaneous and always ready for a new adventure. We would often react to each other and find ourselves on the motorcycle up north, in the smoky mountains or Colorado. We spent 3 months pulling a camper crisscrossing the western United States. She was always ready for what's next.
Thank you, Micki, for being my biggest supporter whenever it felt like everything was falling apart. I always ran to you whenever I felt so tired of everything. You don't know how thankful I am that you were always there for me whenever I needed someone to hold. I appreciate how you stayed by my side whenever I was sad or even cried silently. I appreciated how you listened to me without judgment and tried to understand me in any situation. It felt like I was sharing myself with someone who genuinely cared for me. It felt so warm to have someone who loves me when I'm happy and loves me even harder when I am not okay. She always had my back.
I found 47 years of notes, letters, and cards we shared the other day, and I look forward to reading them when I think of you.
Our life together took hard work and forgiveness. We learned to die on to each other by putting each other first. We lived out each other's dream circles—those that matched and those that were personal. We knew when to give each other space. To quote Dolly Parton, “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” My greatest accomplishment will always be you. You will always be in my heart.
Our children, we did our best to be examples for them. Certainly not perfect, but their love and support for her and me through that horrible ALS disease is proof we did something right.
She was a Godly woman, and by God’s Grace, she accepted her final and greatest spiritual act by passing into his light. Rest in peace, my dearest Mary Ann Raffaele.
I love you to the Moon and back.
Andrew Raffaele
