With great sadness, we announce the passing of Nancy Coggins Rafalko, 90,
who passed away early Tuesday morning in the Hospice of the Sacred Heart
Inpatient Unit with her daughters by her side. She was the widow of John “JR”
Rafalko who passed away in 1984.
Born on May 2, 1934, in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late James
and Evelyn Butler Coggins. She was a graduate of South Scranton Central
Catholic High School. She was a woman of deep faith, who said her rosary
and prayers at every free moment she had.
Nancy lived for children. She was the beloved mother to her daughters Evie
Rafalko McNulty, Robin Rafalko and long-time partner Benny Bloom, and
daughter-in-law Janet Rafalko. Nancy was preceded in death by her son John
“Jack” Rafalko in 2019.
She took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to Samantha Francis
and husband John Francis and Nicole Rafalko and her finance Nate Rogers.
She was so proud to be a great grandmother and Nanny to Sofia Francis who
was the light of her life along with Samantha and Nicole. That light also shined
on her grandsons; Robin’s sons Ian Purnell, Georgia and Nicholas Jennings,
Pittsburgh.
She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and prior to that she
was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and where she attended
Mass regularly with her sister Jeannie before Jeannie’s passing.
Nancy is survived by her sister-in-law June Coggins, who she considered a
sister, June who will have cherished memories of Nancy that will live on
forever.
June was always there for Nancy and for that matter for everyone whoever
needed anything, we all love her. “We love you more Junnie Bug”.
She was preceded in death by her by son Jack Rafalko whom she cherished
and son in law the Hon. James Barrett McNulty whose company she truly
enjoyed. She was also processed in death by her brothers and sisters Jerry
Coggins, Betty Zukowski, Jean Travis, Jim Coggins, Jr., Great Nephews Jerry
Coggins, III, Feliz Zukowski, Jr. and Great -Great Nephew Jerry Coggins, IV.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Lackawanna County in the
Maintenance Department, a job she truly loved and where she made some of
her best friends.
A cherished member of her community, Nancy touched the lives of many with
her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit and sense of humor. Nancy lived
a life filled with love and devotion to her family and friends. Her legacy will be
remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Nancy had many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly as if they were
her own. They loved her and looked to “Aunt Nanny” for advice and help but
most of all for a good laugh. Regardless of the situation she would defend
them and be on their side in every issue.
Nancy is also survived by her furry friends. Her cat Sonny who never left her
side while she was in the house and her beloved stray cat who resided on her
back porch, Lolli who considered Nancy her Mom, she loved and nurtured
both dearly.
Nancy will be dearly missed, but her spirit will remain alive in the hearts of
those she loved and in the beautiful memories they shared. May she rest in
peace.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Immaculate
Conception Church by Rev. Jeffrey Tudgay. Nancy will be laid to rest next to
her husband in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Cemetery, Minooka.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be sent to the
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Township,
PA 18411.
Sharon seig
So sorry sending hugs and prayers to you all
Anna Mecca finnerty
Evie and family I’m so very very sorry for your loss
Donnie Hart
So sorry for your loss Evie, hopefully your grief will soon turn to good memories.
Angeline Kaminski
so sorry for your loss she was a wonderful lady 🌹🙏🙏🙏
Gail Cicerini
Dear Evie, Such sad news. I will keep you and your family in my prayers
Christine Howe
Evie, I am so sorry for your family’s loss may your mom RIP prayers for you and your family 🙏🙏🙏 God Bless!
Colleen Rhue
Evil and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers 🙏. Love always.
Bob Fitch
Evie,
Sorry for the loss of your mom. While you will miss her, always remember that she lives in your heart and memories. Your loss was God’s gain. Lord bless you and make his light to shine upon you
Phyllis Mischello
So very sorry for your loss Evie❤️❤️🙏
Ian Purnell
Nanny the sun doesn’t shine as bright since you left us. Love and miss you always Ian
Tom Brudnicki
Sorry for your loss Evie. She was a person you could never forget. Loved her
JOE MURRAY
Very sorry for your loss Evie, God bless your mother and your entire family.
RoseAnn Gaetano
Dear Evie,So sorry for your loss,know that y6u are in my thoughts and prayers
Christine Marie Buckery
So sorry for your loss. I grew up with Nancy as Jean Travis was my best friend. I hope you all find peace in remembering the good memories of Nancy. Nancy Buckery ( Grippi)
Chuck lampman
Evie and family please.accept my deepest condolences on the passing of.your Mother. I will keep you all.in my thoughts and prayers
Mary Ann Coggins Novajosky
Dear Evie, So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Nancy was truly a great person. ❤️🙏