Nancy Ann Rafferty

Nancy Ann Rafferty, a devoted mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved educator, and passionate community advocate, passed away on September 21, 2025, at the age of 91 in Schoolcraft, Michigan.

Born on April 28, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, Nancy was the eldest of four children of Donald and Mary Jane Swartz – in order, Nancy-Ann, Harriett, Donald, and Mike. Nancy’s family moved to Schoolcraft when she was eight years old. Nancy graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1952. She earned her Bachelor of Art’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1956 and subsequently obtained her Master of Library Science degree from Western Michigan University in 1972, achievements she valued throughout her life.

Nancy’s love for learning and teaching was evident throughout her life and career. She dedicated her professional life to educating her students, fostering a love for reading, and developing a strong sense of community. She believed in, and manifested, the power of education to transform lives, and worked tirelessly to ensure that every child in her classroom, library, or community at-large felt seen, heard, loved, and empowered. Her connection to the students did not end with the culmination of her 40 plus year career in the classrooms and libraries in Hastings, Constantine, and Schoolcraft. Rather, she continued to contribute to the lives of Schoolcraft’s children by, among other things, reading to the elementary school classes regularly during the school year. And, oh how she loved to get the hugs from her kids when she came to their classrooms!

It was while attending Schoolcraft that she met the love of her life, William Richard “Dick” Rafferty. Together they raised their four children in Schoolcraft. She and Dick were very proud of their achievements and always supported their efforts.

Nancy was also an avid sports fan – baseball, basketball, football – you name it, she loved it and watched with enthusiasm and deep understanding. Her Michigan Wolverines were at the top of that list, followed closely by her Chicago Cubs.

Nancy was a fierce believer in community. She took great pride in her involvement with South County Community Services, the Food Pantry, the Eagles Nest, the Dr. Nathan Thomas Underground Railroad Museum, the Schoolcraft Historical Society, and the Ladies Library Association. Nancy was a founding member of the Schoolcraft Community Library and beamed with pride over that facility and the creation of the Mary Jane Swartz History Room, named after her beloved mother.

A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft and its choir, Nancy was deeply engaged in her choir and church community, where her caring and social nature shone through. She loved knitting mittens for the church bizarre or just for folks who needed them. Nancy’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and compassion. Her spirit and contributions will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.

But above all, Nancy was about family. She was the heartbeat of the Rafferty family, the glue that held the Rafferty and Swartz families together whether by hosting the annual Christmas celebrations, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, or other gatherings – both organized and random. She just plain loved being around her family and friends. She is survived by her four children Rick (Mary) Rafferty, of Ft. Thomas, KY; Kathleen Dixon, of Cincinnati, OH; Don (Janice) Rafferty, of Cincinnati, OH; and James (Toni) Rafferty, of Schoolcraft; seven grandchildren: Dianna (Chad) Coley, Cullen (Ashley) Dixon, Cormac (Olivia) Dixon, Jack and Ian Rafferty, and Jozie and Drew Rafferty; and six great grandchildren: Kylie, Kinsley, and Caden Dixon; Brooks and Baylor Coley; Eleanor and Cooper Dixon; with one more on the way. She is also survived by one brother: Don Swartz, of Schoolcraft and many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and preceded in death by her parents: Donald and Mary Jane Swartz, and her sister, Harriett, and brother, Mike.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:30 – 7:30 pm at the Schoolcraft High School Cafeteria, 13400 South 14th Street, Schoolcraft. The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 224 East Cass Street, Schoolcraft, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 am. The family invites family and friends to join them for a bite to eat in Nancy’s honor at Wind + James in Schoolcraft following the funeral service.

Please visit Nancy’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com where you can read her obituary, sign the guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft and/or the charity of your choice that supports the Schoolcraft community.

The family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI (269-679-5622).