Mary Raffety, 88

Longtime Coeur d'Alene resident Mary Raffety passed away March 19 in Liberty Lake. Mary was born and raised in Chicago and is a lifelong White Sox fan who loathed the Cubs. She excelled in Catholic schools through high school and attended Northwestern University.

In 1955, Mary met and married the late John Dunlop, a Cubs fan. Needless to say, the marriage would not last. During a tumultuous 10 years, the couple had three children. They divorced in 1965.

Mary moved to the Coeur d'Alene area and married Lyle Raffety in 1966. Together, they operated Lyle's Salon and School of Hair Design for many years. During that time, they enjoyed a busy social life that featured evenings out, cruises on the lake, hosted celebrations at their home and countless excursions. Mary and Lyle had two children.

Transitioning out of the hair business, Mary embarked on a career in nursing during the 1980s. She worked at hospitals in Coeur d'Alene and Spokane for several decades before retiring. When her work shifted to Spokane during that period, Mary and Lyle moved to Liberty Lake, where they have lived for the past 20 years. 

Outside work, Mary loved animals, especially her Maine Coon cats. She also enjoyed playing bridge, which she often partnered with her regular late-afternoon cocktail. An active supporter of the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater for many years, Mary acted in several plays and served on the Board. The Spokane Symphony was another of her special interests.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Lyle; five children: Pete Dunlop (Laura Renner), Nancy (Jim) Fairweather, Elizabeth Dunlop (Ryan Thompson), Julie Gehlen and Michael Raffety; five grandchildren; and brother Jim (Celia) Heintz. She was preceded in death by her parents, Finbar and Myrtle Heintz, and brother Michael Heintz. No funeral or memorial is planned. Donations in Mary's memory may be made to Alliance Animal Shelter in Coeur d'Alene or the Spokane Symphony.