Obituary of Lucille A. Raftery

Lucille O'Neill Raftery, age 86 of Shelton, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of 59 years to the late William Eugene (Gene) Raftery. Born in Queens, NY on October 10, 1938, Lucille was the daughter of the late Patrick Francis O'Neill and Emily (Hoza) O'Neill and was a longtime resident of Trumbull before moving to Shelton.

Lucille graduated from Katharine Gibbs secretarial school and began her career at American Can Company in Manhattan. Once her children were older, Lucille resumed her secretarial career at Elizabeth Arden, ultimately retiring from Unilever in Trumbull. Lucille was a faithful and active parishioner for many years at Christ the King Church in Trumbull where she served on many committees and was a longtime member of the Ladies Guild.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband on the many trips they took with friends to Europe, the Caribbean and their annual pilgrimage to Bermuda where they had honeymooned. However, her greatest joy in life was her loving family. Lucille cherished the time raising her children, attending her son's and grandchildren's sporting and school events. Lucille was also an accomplished cook hosting countless family gatherings often featuring one of her signature dishes. Lucille recently relocated to Brightview Senior Living where she made and cherished many new friendships. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Survivors include three loving sons, Ken Raftery (Daniel) of Monroe, John Raftery (Stephanie Rogers) of Wilmette, IL and Bill Raftery of Wilton, devoted "Irish Daughter" Ann Brodow (Mats) of Summit, NJ and five cherished grandchildren, Kathleen Kavanagh (Brian), Alexander Raftery, Charlie Raftery, along with Sean and Jason Raftery and their mother, Betsy. The family would also like to thank Lucille's devoted caregiver and friend, Mavis for whom the family will be forever grateful.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. directly in St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Shelton. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may greet the family on Monday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. To leave an online condolence, visit www.abriola.com