Mary Ellen McCloskey Raffo

Mary Ellen McCloskey Raffo (“Mare”, “Sister”) is at peace with the Lord Jesus Christ as of Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the age of 88. Survived by her children Rhonda Raffo (Jim Mueller), Donna Raffo (Ross Tingley), and Tracy Raffo (Michael Colligan), three grandchildren – Douglas Raffo, Nicole Tuschl Raffo and James Frazier (Kelly); eight grandchildren - Kevin and Mya Tuschl, Isabella Raffo, James, Taylor, Ross, Kellen, and Tyler Frazier. Mary Ellen, a native of New Orleans, was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Roy Raffo, son Douglas Raffo and Doug’s wife Sherry Raffo, her parents Andrew McCloskey and Gladys Hebert McCloskey, and brother Charles McCloskey. Mary Ellen expressed her love for “the man of my dreams”, Roy Raffo, almost every day, especially since his passing on December 18, 2006. She often said “the best thing that happened in my life was meeting your dad on Canal Street while walking to the Algiers ferry from work at D. H. Holmes”. Her passions were cooking, gardening, faithfully saying the Rosary every day, music, dancing, singing, being the “life of the party” and devoting her life to her family. She enjoyed her time singing with various church choirs and with the Sweet Adeline group. Her “love language” was talking about food and how she prepared a meal, explaining every step in great detail! She loved to see her family and friends enjoy her cooking and anyone that had the pleasure of tasting her meals would agree that she was a tremendous cook! Mom made people laugh whenever she walked into a room. She was most silly when she was with her best friends, her crazy sisters and brothers. They meant the world to her and most of her best and craziest times was when she was around her 6 siblings. She adored her friends she made at Woldenberg Villas Independent Living and enjoyed her year there taking in the social events and wonderful lunches served there! The family would like to thank the staff at Woldenberg Villas & Willow Wood and Passages Hospice for their care, love and support. St. Joseph Church on 6th Street in Gretna will host the Visitation from 9:00 – 10:30, followed by mass. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. The family requests that those experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms please refrain from attending the service.