Teresa Raftery

Mary “Teresa” Raftery (nee Greene) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the age of 89, with her four children by her side.

Born to parents Jack and Julia Greene (nee Burke) on July 23, 1931, Teresa was raised in Dunmore, County Galway, Ireland. In 1949, she immigrated to the United States and began her life in Philadelphia, where she married Daniel Raftery on September 27, 1952. In the U.S., Teresa enjoyed a long career as a waitress, including many years at The Lamb Tavern and Richetti’s Restaurant in Springfield, Pa., where she also lived and raised her family.

She embraced her life in America and remained devoted to her Irish heritage, traveling back to Galway to visit family and friends. She also enjoyed her time spent on the beach in New Jersey as well as traveling throughout the country, sightseeing from coast to coast. Her favorite stops were Chicago and New York to see her siblings.

Described as “small and mighty,” Teresa was a high-energy person who was always willing to help a neighbor or friend. She was a devout Catholic and dedicated volunteer at St. Kevin Church and a member of its Ladies Auxiliary. As an enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society, she enjoyed many activities and outings with her Old School House Drive gang. She was a friend of Bill for 45 years.

Teresa was a devoted wife and loving mother to Mary Pavlo (Lex), Daniel Raftery (Colleen), John Raftery (Angela), and Michael Raftery. She cherished time spent with her 12 grandchildren: Daniel Raftery, Thomas Pavlo (Lura), Colleen Raftery, Jacqueline Pavlo, Brendan Raftery (Courtney), Stephanie Puppolo (Ryan), Shannon Wilkins (Nicolas), Caitlin Pavlo, Brian Raftery, Victoria Raftery, Kevin Raftery, and Juliann Raftery, and adored her six great-grandchildren: Chloe Raftery, Allison Pavlo, Ryan Pavlo, Benjamin Raftery, Claire Pavlo, and Conner Puppolo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Julia; husband, Daniel; and her four siblings, Tommy Greene, Jimmy Greene, Bob Greene, and Nancy Madden Holly.

A viewing will take place at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 3, at Saint Kevin Church in Springfield, followed by a Mass at 11:00 AM which will be livestreamed https://www.facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome/ . A private burial will follow at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield. A celebration of her life is planned for July when it is safe to gather.

In Teresa’s memory, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association ( act.alz.org/donate ) would be appreciated.