Phyllis Rafalski, 84, of Ottawa, IL (and formerly of Sarasota, FL) died Friday afternoon, February 13, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa while surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, at St. Columba Church in Ottawa, with The Reverend David Kipfer, Pastor, officiating. Interment immediately following the Funeral Mass will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be on Tuesday February 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Liturgical Prayers commencing at 4:10 p.m.
Mrs. Rafalski was born on August 1, 1930, in Ottawa, to Harold and Minnie (Mitchell) Chalus. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School (Class of 1948) and worked for many years at the LaSalle County Courthouse (until her retirement). She was married to Harold James Rafalski for 60 years; the couple wed on May 23, 1953 at St. Patrick Church in Ottawa.
Love, devotion, compassion, humor and happiness are the characteristics that Phyllis was best known for during her remarkable life which she shared with, her large extended family and many, many friends. She was a beautiful lady inside and out.
Mrs. Rafalski is survived by four children: Hollis “Holly” (Gene) Grobe of Ottawa, Robert (Kristi Blumhardt) Rafalski of Greenwood Village, Colorado, Rita Rafalski of San Diego, California, and Carol (Steve) Aubry of Ottawa; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ronald (Linda) Chalus, of Utica. She was preceded in death by her husband (who died one year earlier on Saturday, February 15, 2014); her parents; one sister, Marilyn (Roger) Laatz; and one brother, Julian “Sonny” Chalus.
Pallbearers will include her only grandson, Brandon Aubry, as well as her brother Ronald Chalus, Jack Burnside, Ben Diss, Brent Moore, and Kim Redlich. Honorary pallbearers will include her six grand-daughters: Lauren Aubry, Madison Aubry, Kristin (Grobe) Burnside, Megan (Aubry) Diss, Kayla (Grobe) Moore, Anna Rafalski, and Haley Larson.
Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church or COPD Foundation.
Let nothing disturb you. Nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God is unchanging. Patience gains all. Nothing is lacking to those who have God. God alone suffices. – Saint Teresa of Avila
Phyllis is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Hope.