Obituary of Reta Margaret Rafuse

Reta Margaret Rafuse Age 90 of Schaumburg, IL, passed away July 12, 2014 in Friendship Village Nursing Home. Born in Parkdale, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Sadie (Faulkenham) Rafuse. Reta is survived by her sisters, Winnie (Bob) Evanson, Elgin, IL; Betty (Murray) Eisnor, Chester Basin; Connie (Jacob) Penney, New Germany; brothers, Thomas (Margaret) Sauber, Antigonish; Frank (Viola Blackadar), Parkdale; Donnie (Charmaine), Dartmouth; numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Angeline MacDonald and Belle Rafuse; brothers, Max, Roby, Jerry and Calvin. Reta enlisted in the Canadian Army (CWAC) as a wireless operator decoding top secret information. After her discharge, she became a registered nurse at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. Shortly after graduating, Reta moved to Chicago, IL where she resumed her nursing career. In 1957 Reta joined the Air Force and became a Flight Nurse. After earning her “wings” Reta accompanied her fellow Air Men in combat areas in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, or wherever nursing services were needed. After 12 years in the Air Force she retired with the rank of Captain, and then continued nursing in Chicago's Weiss Memorial Hospital as Night Supervisor. Reta never lost her quest for learning and in 1980 received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical University of St. Francis in Joilet, IL. She retired in 1988 but went back to nursing again, at the same hospital, until she finally retired in 1996. Reta's nimble fingers created many beautiful needle point pictures, which most of her family proudly display in their homes. She was also an avid knitter, making shawls and afghans for the elderly and many, many items for babies which she donated to various hospitals in Nova Scotia. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with funeral service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 20 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 route 10, New Germany. Rev. Sam Jess officiating. Burial will follow in Parkdale Community Cemetery with reception in Parkdale Community Hall, Parkdale. Family flowers only please, donations of Reta may be made to the Parkdale-Maplewood Cemetery Fund, The Cenotaph Fund or a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.