Ann “Nan” Marie Rafuse was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She found her peace on January 5, 2023, at the age of 66.

Nan was born to John and Clare O’Brien on February 11, 1956 at Brookline Hospital in Brookline, MA as the second youngest of six children. She graduated from Newton South High School in 1974.

Nan took pride in being a stay-at-home mother to her six children. she loved to be surrounded by family. From Fourth of July cookouts, the holidays for dessert, to the camping trips at Nickerson State Park. She had a deep passion for music and listened to it louder than anyone we knew. Her favorite artists were Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and her sons. She loved living on Cape Cod, going to the beach, eating chocolate, and could never be seen without a Coca-Cola in hand. She loved her children more than anything.

Nan is lovingly remembered by her sons, Philip Natale of Lowell, MA, Cameron (Elise) Natale of Marstons Mills, MA, Jarrad Natale of Taunton, MA, Dylan (Rachael) Rafuse of Mashpee, MA, and Dakota (Janelle) Rafuse of South Yarmouth, MA; her siblings John O’Brien of Newburgh, NY, Karen (Burke) Allred of Acton, MA, and Kathleen Ford of Bourne, MA; her former husband, Stephen Rafuse Sr. of Dennis, MA; her twelve grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Nan was predeceased by her son, Stephen Rafuse Jr. of New Bedford, MA; her siblings, Daniel O’Brien of Needham, MA and Michael O’Brien of Falmouth, MA.

Visitation will be on Thursday January 26, 2023, from 4pm-7pm at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Friday January 27, 2023, at 10am at St. Pius X, Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Nan, I hope you are now resting in piece. I have so many memories of you and your boys. You helped me in my path to recovery. I’ll never forget when you told me “move a muscle, change a thought “ That one thing still helps me to this day. Even though it had been years since we had seen each other, your laughter will forever be remembered. I’m just coming across this now, September 2023. I’m sorry we lost touch. You’ll be missed by everyone who’s lives you touched. Love ya chick (remember that?)

Nan, I will never forget your incredible kindness to me as a child. Thank you for letting me hold your beautiful babies as soon as they were born. I’ll never forget your amazing red hair and your wonderful laugh. You were the spitting image of your mom in many ways. Funny enough I was just looking at a photo of you a few weeks ago. I just can’t believe you’re gone and you will be missed. So glad I was able to see you for the last time I Cameron‘s wedding. Requiescat in pace.

Nan- It's Kargs. Again. I've been talking to you since you left us. I won't ever stop talking to you. You were such a character! Full of humor and full of life. I miss you terribly. I'll pray for you always. I know that you are in God's hands. At rest and at peace, finally.

“Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.” —Robert Louis Stevenson I am grateful for times shared together with family

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nan, I will never forget your incredible kindness to me as a child. Thank you for letting me hold your beautiful babies as soon as they were born. I’ll never forget your amazing red hair and your wonderful laugh. You were the spitting image of your mom in many ways. Funny enough I was just looking at a photo of you a few weeks ago. I just can’t believe you’re gone and you will be missed. So glad I was able to see you for the last time I Cameron‘s wedding. Requiescat in pace.

Hey Gert, What’s heaven like?..Take care of brother, Michael & I’ll see you on the other side..I’ll do my best to watch over your boys. I believe that what you would want.. we had a great life here on earth. A lot of laughs. I love you to the moon and back. Rest in peace in your family. Love, Martha.

Nan, I will never forget your incredible kindness to me as a child. Thank you for letting me hold your beautiful babies as soon as they were born. I’ll never forget your amazing red hair and your wonderful laugh. You were the spitting image of your mom in many ways. Funny enough I was just looking at a photo of you a few weeks ago. I just can’t believe you’re gone and you will be missed. So glad I was able to see you for the last time I Cameron‘s wedding. Requiescat in pace.

God bless you,Nan love aunt Lisa, your sister in law.

Hey Gert, Hope you like heaven.. Take care of things until i get there & i’ll make sure your boys are taking care of. Please no fighting with Brother, Michael..Had a great time here on earth with you.. You were one funny human being…Oh boy did we laugh…Well, RIP Gert & i’ll see you on the other side.. i love you with all my heart.. Like Aunt Jean use to say an ocean of love..