Marion Teresa (Truchsess) Rafferty

Born in Easton on March 21, 1927 to the late Harold W. and Clara (Stacer) Truchsess, Marion grew up in Easton and raised her family in Phillipsburg. Marion’s husband of 61 years, Edward C. Rafferty passed away in 2013. Marion’s brother Harold F. Truchsess passed away in 2009.  

Marion was a 1944 graduate of Easton Catholic High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Math and Physics from Immaculata College in 1948. Marion worked at General Aniline in Easton and at  E. I. DuPont deNemours Company in Parlin, NJ.  

Marion devoted her life to raising her six children, giving back to her community and helping others. She served as a Girl Scout Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. For many years she was a Meals on Wheels volunteer, helped coordinate and transport patients for their cancer treatments, and she and her husband Ed volunteered at Covenant House in New York City. Marion was very active in her high school and college Alumni Associations. She received the Immaculata College Alumni Award in 2010. Marion held leadership roles in the Court Warren Catholic Daughters of America, the Metuchen Diocese Council of Catholic Women, and Serra International where she served as Governor for two years. She was a member of Sweet Adelines for 10 years, and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for over 40 years.  Marion also baked the most amazing and delicious Christmas cookies.  

Marion’s true joy in life was to travel. She and Ed traveled to over 100 countries and all seven continents. Their favorite trip of all time was their excursion to Antarctica.  

Marion is survived by her six children: Edward (Kathleen), Herndon, VA, Patrick (Domenica), Devon, PA, Kathleen, Arlington, VA, Michael (Molly), San Francisco, CA, Timothy (Leanne), Seattle, WA and Matthew (Leah), Hudson, OH.  She is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Sarah (Matthew), Eileen (David), John (Sarah), Erin (Thomas), Amelia (Varun), Molly (Christopher), Mark, Luke (Hannah), Sophia, Rachel, Matthew, Julia, Grace and Claire, and by five great-grandchildren: Mason, Charlotte, Mansi, Ava and Zara.  

A viewing will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Parish (St. Bernard Oratory, 132 S 5th St, Easton) on Saturday, August 17 from 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass also at St. Bernard. The burial will take place following the Mass at Gethsemane Cemetery. The Finegan Funeral Home in Palmer Township is handling arrangements. Visit www.fineganfh.com.  

The family requests that in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.