Eleanor Rafferty

GUILDERLAND – Eleanor T. (ET) Sweeney Rafferty, 86, died October 22, 2005 at St. Peter's Hospital after a brief illness. Born January 8, 1919 in Albany, she was the daughter of the late John E. Sweeney, Sr. and Anna Eleanor Van Epps. She graduated from Cathedral Academy. Eleanor was employed for many years at Montgomery Ward and was a supervisor in the offices of J.C. Penny. She retired from Albany Medical Center where she was a clinical secretary/receptionist. Eleanor was a beautiful spirit who touched many lives and will be lovingly remembered. She loved her family, and not one birthday, anniversary or holiday went by without a card from "Ma." She had a wonderful sense of humor and was known to play a joke or two on family members. Eleanor enjoyed her crafts, reading and spending time with her beloved feline companion, "Emmie." Eleanor had a strong faith in God and the power of prayer. You knew if Ma was praying for you that everything would be alright. God gave us this angel and now He has taken her home, free from pain, to always watch over those left here. Eleanor is survived by her devoted children, Eleanor Weingarden of Albany, Michael (the late Marilyn) Rafferty of Glens Falls, Mary (Paul) Ryan of Saratoga Springs, Arthur (Rosemarie) Rafferty, Jr. of Latham, Kathleen Ashline of Guilderland, Brian (Kathy Lee) Rafferty of West Dennis, MA, and Tracy (Shawn) Hanley of Delanson. She is the sister of Ruth Sweeney Fleig of Albany. She was the cherished "Gramy" to 18 grandchildren and "GG" to 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her son-in-law, John Barbagallo of Colonie and her special adopted daughter, Arlea (Mike) Igoe of Guilderland. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur Kiffen Rafferty, Sr., her beloved daughter, Marcia Barbagallo, her brothers, John E. Sweeney and Francis Sweeney and her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Rafferty.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday morning at 9:00 at the Church of St. Clare, Colonie. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Eleanor T. Rafferty.