Karen Krause Rafferty passed away peacefully July 1 in her home with her loving husband by her side. She was the beloved wife to William Rafferty, dedicated mother to Sean and Colin Rafferty, and cherished grandmother to Chiara, Aidan and Ethan Rafferty.
She lived a life of kindness, gentleness and casual generosity that enriched the lives of all of those around her. She built a loving home for her family, and made it a haven not only for them, but for the friends of her children, who she welcomed as family. Her home and table was often full of children with different last names, but who were accepted as family nonetheless. It was a house of joy, comfort, and laughter, of good food and good times, of jokes and games, of music, friendship and family.
She was born in Palo Alto California to Ralph and Myrtise Krause, with her sister, Signe. She attended the University of California at Berkeley, where she met the love of her life, William Rafferty. They settled in Massachusetts, living most of their life in Sharon. As her children grew older, she followed her passion for music and guitar into a career as a music teacher, first attending the New England Conservatory of Music and then teaching music and the guitar for many years at the South Shore Conservatory. This gave her another outlet for her endless kindness, sharing her love of music with countless children.
She had many interests and passions - she raised many pets through her life, avidly pursued sailing as a hobby, planted extensive gardens, and was delighted by puzzles of all kinds.
Services will be held privately among her family. Condolences can be sent using the guestbook on this site.